HPRU DPhil studentship: Antimicrobial Resistance in Enterobacteriaceae
Lead Supervisor: Professor Tim Peto, Experimental Medicine Division, Nuffield
Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford.
Project duration: 3 years
Funded by: National Institutes of Health Research Health Protection Research Unit
Project Summary: The National Institutes of Health Research Health Protection Research
Unit (HPRU) in Healthcare Associated Infection and Antimicrobial Resistance at the Nuffield
Department of Medicine wishes to offer a three year DPhil studentship tracking the spread of
antimicrobial resistance and plasmid vectors in Enterobacteriaceae between humans and
food animals, in collaboration with Public Health England (PHE) and the Animal and Plant
Health Agency (APHA). This project will capitalise on the archive of whole genome
sequenced strains from human infection and colonisation with Enterobacteriaceae available
at PHE, and strains from both humans and animals sequenced within the HPRU. It will
require a keen interest in and enthusiasm for applying quantitative techniques to bacterial
whole genome sequencing data in the field of antimicrobial resistance, together with an
enquiring and flexible attitude and an interest in working collaboratively with researchers
from different disciplines. Applicants with a background in biological or clinical sciences, or
quantitative disciplines, are encouraged to apply.
The student will be located within a multidisciplinary group at the John Radcliffe Hospital
including researchers with expertise in bioinformatics, statistical genetics, infectious
diseases and microbiology. They will be expected to spend part of their time at PHE and
APHA. The collaborative group is working at the forefront of research into pathogen
genomics focussed on evolutionary and transmission studies as well as translating next
generation sequencing into routine clinical and public health practice with PHE.
Further particulars: Informal enquiries should be directed to Prof Sarah Walker
(sarah.walker@ndm.ox.ac.uk).
Person specification: Applications are invited from candidates who hold or expect to obtain
a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a relevant scientific discipline, or a
Masters degree, or relevant experience.
Value of the award: The Studentship pays the College and University fees and has a
generous stipend of £18,000 per annum, which is tax-free.
Application process: If you consider that you meet the person specification please email
your application to hr@ndm.ox.ac.uk. Your application should consist of an up to date CV
and supporting statement, which describes why in your opinion you would be the best
candidate for the HPRU DPhil Studentship. You should also provide full details of two
referees and indicate whether they can be contacted at this stage.
Closing date: Applications are to be received by Noon, Friday 1 May 2015.
Interviews: Wednesday 13 May
Discipline: Biological and medical sciences
Subject area: Bioinformatics, Medical/Clinical science
Keywords: antibiotic, resistance, bacteria