Molecular cross-talk between copper and zinc resistance in pathogenic bacteria (SULLIVAN_U25DTP)

Primary Supervisor – Dr Matthew Sullivan 

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is an effective pathogen of humans and animals and is well known as the leading cause of often-fatal infections in newborn infants. Little is known about how GBS resists the immune system and colonises to cause invasive disease. 

This PhD will develop a new understanding of how streptococci resist intoxication by metals, a major antimicrobial effector of the human innate immune system. It will investigate how GBS controls a network of genes to counteract toxicity of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) when in excess. You will join energetic and well-resourced labs working at the forefront of this field and there will be collaborative opportunities with international experts in the medical microbiology discipline.  

Expert multidisciplinary training will be provided in a wide array of advanced bacteriological, molecular, analytical and biochemical techniques to examine metal resistance mechanisms and characterise metabolic pathways in bacteria, e.g. genetic manipulation and generation of knockout mutations. 

You will make extensive use of cutting-edge sequencing technologies to study gene structure and function in GBS and use relevant models of disease. The specific focus can be tailored to your interests and you will be involved in all aspects of the study design, with access to outstanding research facilities across the Norwich Research Park and beyond. You will discuss your findings at weekly team and supervisory meetings where your training needs will be developed. You will have opportunities to present work at (inter)national conferences providing opportunities for networking with other scientists. 

Your studies will be supervised by Dr Matthew Sullivan in the School of Biological Sciences at UEA in collaboration with Prof Mark Webber at the Quadram Institute and Associate Professor Andrew Gates. 

We are seeking a highly motivated applicant with strong interests in molecular microbiology and infectious diseases. Informal enquiries are welcome (matthew.sullivan@uea.ac.uk) 

The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP) is offering fully funded studentships for October 2025 entry. The programme offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP CASE students undertake a three to 18-month placement with the non-academic partner during their study. The placement offers experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team. Students with, or expecting to attain, at least an upper second-class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply. 

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 28, 29 or 30 January 2025.  

Visit our website for further information on eligibility and how to apply: https://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk/ 

Our partners value diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background. 

Entry requirements

At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1 or UK equivalence Master’s degree. English Language requirement (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category). 

Mode of study

Full time

Start date

1 October 2025