Publisher
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Yin Chen

Top university

4 months ago

PhD in Uncovering the Role of Lipid Renovation in Bacteria-host Interactions University of Birmingham in United Kingdom

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Cell Biology

Funding

Available

Deadline

May 1, 2026

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Country

United Kingdom

University

University of Birmingham

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Where to contact

Official Email

Keywords

Cell Biology
Biology
Macrophage Biology
Microscopy
Innate Immunity
Health Science
Membrane Biology
Antibiotic Resistance
Autophagy
Lipid Chemistry
Bacteria
Host-pathogen Interaction
Omics
Metaproteomics
Membrane Protein
Transcriptomic

About this position

[The project is available through the MIBTP funding program. Funding details are available at https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/cross_fac/mibtp/phd/supervisors/ychen .] This PhD project at the University of Birmingham focuses on uncovering the role of lipid remodelling in bacteria-host interactions, with a particular emphasis on antimicrobial resistance. Antimicrobial resistance is a critical global health issue, and understanding the mechanisms by which bacteria evade antibiotics is essential for developing new therapeutic strategies. The project investigates whether the remodelling of membrane lipids in bacteria represents an overlooked mechanism of resistance. Lipid remodelling allows bacteria to selectively alter their membrane composition in response to environmental stimuli, potentially affecting the permeability and selectivity of the outer membrane and mediating resistance to antibiotics. The research hypothesizes that changes in membrane composition influence the recruitment of outer membrane proteins, such as efflux pumps, thereby impacting antibiotic trafficking. Recent discoveries in the supervising lab have identified a central pathway for bacterial lipid remodelling, which is common among diverse and clinically important pathogens, including Burkholderia cenocepacia. This pathway is also crucial for intracellular survival and plays a significant role in subverting host autophagy and innate immune responses. The project will utilize advanced omics approaches (transcriptomics and proteomics), confocal imaging, and cellular biology techniques (including work with macrophages and autophagy biomarkers) to elucidate the connections between lipid remodelling, antimicrobial resistance, and intracellular survival, using B. cenocepacia as a model organism. The position is supervised by Professor Yin Chen and is funded through the Midlands Integrative Biosciences Training Partnership (MIBTP) program. Applicants should have a strong background in biology, biochemistry, microbiology, or a related field, and experience with laboratory research is desirable. The application deadline is May 1, 2025. Interested candidates should apply online via the University of Birmingham portal and may contact Professor Chen for further information. Full funding details and further information about the supervisor are available at the provided links.

Funding details

Available

What's required

Applicants should have or expect to obtain a good undergraduate degree (2:1 or above) or a master's degree in a relevant subject such as biology, biochemistry, microbiology, or a related field. Experience with laboratory research, molecular biology techniques, or cellular biology is desirable. English language proficiency is required for non-native speakers, as per University of Birmingham requirements.

How to apply

Submit an electronic application online via the University of Birmingham application portal. Review the full job description and funding details at the provided links. Contact Professor Yin Chen for informal inquiries. Ensure all required documents are prepared before applying.

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