University of Reading
About the Project
Project Overview:
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a crisis of international concern, with approximately 44% of all prescribed antibiotics used in veterinary medicine within the UK. Outbreaks of bacterial infections that affect livestock can be difficult to manage, and economic costs for farmers can be high.
The agroecosystem can become contaminated with other biocidal agents such as heavy metals (e.g. mercury, arsenic, cadmium, copper, zinc), because of anthropogenic activities. Heavy metal resistance genes (HRGs) are often co-linked with AMR genes (ARGs) on mobile genetic elements. Selection for HRGs may be inadvertently driving co-selection for ARGs in bacteria associated with livestock, including important animal pathogens. It is therefore vital to elucidate how metals influence spread of ARGs and HRGs as the use of metals in the farming industry could reduce the efficacy of antibiotic treatments for infections in both agricultural and clinical settings.
This research will involve using bioinformatics to identify ARGs and HRGs in genomic databases and to determine the co-linkage of these genes in animal pathogens. You will investigate the selective pressure driving co-linkage using a range of techniques including antimicrobial assays, whole genome sequencing, transcriptomics (qRT-PCR, RNAseq), experimental evolution, DNA cloning and protein expression (SDS-PAGE, Western blots).
Antimicrobial Resistance Strategic Partnership:
Experts in antimicrobial resistance at the University of Reading and Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) have formed a strategic partnership to understand the complex relationships between heavy metal and antimicrobial resistance using modern phenotypic and molecular methods. The project offers the opportunity to make a valuable contribution in tackling the global challenge posed by AMR, with scope for independence, publication, and contribution to scientific conferences. You will have access to cutting-edge technology and learn the latest research techniques at both the University of Reading and APHA, Weybridge.
The supervisory team will comprise:
Dr Geraldine (Jay) Mulley and Prof Simon Andrews (University of Reading)
Dr Samuel Connelly and Prof Muna Anjum (APHA)
School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading:
The University of Reading, located west of London, England, provides world-class research education programs. The University’s main Whiteknights Campus is set in 130 hectares of beautiful parkland, a 30-minute train ride to central London and 40 minutes from London Heathrow airport.
Our School of Biological Sciences conducts high-impact research, tackling current global challenges faced by society and the planet. In 2020, we moved into a stunning new ~£60 million Health & Life Sciences building. This state-of-the-art facility is purpose-built for science research and teaching. You will be joining a vibrant community of ~180 PhD students representing ~40 nationalities.
The University of Reading is a welcoming community for people of all faiths and cultures and will provide dedicated training in important transferable skills that will support your career aspirations. We are committed to a healthy work-life balance and will work to ensure that you are supported personally and academically.
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Weybridge:
APHA is an executive agency of the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs with the main task is to protect the health and welfare of animals, as well as the general public, from disease. It conducts work across Great Britain on behalf of Defra, the Scottish Government and the Welsh Government.
Eligibility:
Applicants should have a good degree (minimum of a UK Upper Second (2:1) undergraduate degree or equivalent) in Biological Sciences, Microbiology or a strongly-related discipline. With a commitment to improving diversity in science and engineering, we encourage applications from underrepresented groups.
The Weybridge site is a strategically important national asset due to its role as a reference laboratory supporting the Government’s response to national emergencies including disease outbreaks. For this reason, applicants must be currently resident in the UK, with at least 3 years continuous UK residency, and will need to undergo National Security Vetting to gain Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) security clearance. which may involve a Criminal Record Check and an Internal Fraud Database Check.
How to apply:
Submit an application for a PhD in Biological Sciences at
https://bit.ly/ReadingPhDApply
Please upload a CV and Cover Letter with your application. If the application system prompts you to submit a research proposal, paste in the project title and move on to the next step.
Enquiries:
Dr. Geraldine (Jay) Mulley, email: [email protected]
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