Queen's University Belfast School of Pharmacy is offering a fully-funded PhD position as part of a major collaboration between the CF Trust and LifeArc, focusing on the investigation of polymicrobial communities in cystic fibrosis (CF) airways and their role in pulmonary exacerbations. The project, supervised by Professor Michael Tunney, aims to understand the mechanisms that trigger pulmonary exacerbations in CF, a significant and burdensome aspect of the disease. The research will involve studying the interactions between known pathogens, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and commensal bacteria cultured from airway samples, using advanced microbiological and molecular techniques including RT-PCR, Illumina sequencing, tissue culture, clinical studies, molecular diagnostics, and mass spectrometry.

The successful candidate will join the PULSE-CF Innovation Hub, a multi-centre, multi-disciplinary initiative involving Queen's University Belfast, University of Manchester, and University of Liverpool. The Hub is dedicated to translational research aimed at improving the prediction and prevention of CF exacerbations and developing new therapeutics. The PhD student will receive extensive training in both conventional and cutting-edge laboratory methods, and will be encouraged to participate in impact activities such as public talks, school visits, conference presentations, and publication of research findings.

The School of Pharmacy at Queen's University Belfast is internationally recognized for its research excellence in pharmaceutical sciences, infection and antimicrobial resistance, drug delivery, nanomedicine, and healthcare optimization. The School provides world-class facilities and a supportive postgraduate community, with opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and professional development. Funding for this position is provided by the Northern Ireland Department for the Economy (DfE), covering both stipend and tuition fees for three years. The opportunity is open to UK, Republic of Ireland, and EU students.

Applicants should have a strong academic background in pharmacy, biomedical sciences, microbiology, or a related discipline, with experience in relevant laboratory techniques considered advantageous. The application deadline is 8 December 2025, with the project commencing on 1 October 2026. For further details and to apply, visit the application portal or contact Professor Michael Tunney at [email protected].