Genomic Surveillance and Transmission Dynamics of Nosocomial Pathogens in China: Comprehensive Analysis of Genetic Diversity, Mobile Genetic Elements, and Phylogeographic Spread

This PhD opportunity at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) focuses on the genomic surveillance and transmission dynamics of nosocomial pathogens in China, with a comprehensive analysis of genetic diversity, mobile genetic elements, and phylogeographic spread. The project addresses the urgent public health challenge posed by multi-drug-resistant hospital-acquired pathogens, such as Acinetobacter baumannii , Klebsiella pneumoniae , and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia , which are capable of stealthy community transmission and can trigger outbreaks across cities via human activities. Despite reports of intercity transmission, the factors driving pathogen lineage divergence across China remain poorly understood, and there is a critical need for a unified, open-access surveillance platform to track pathogen spread and identify high-risk infection zones early. The research will investigate transmission routes and resistance profiles of the selected pathogens, aiming to identify features that drive their lineage divergence. The findings will contribute to the development of a pathogen monitoring platform, ultimately helping to reduce the burden of hospital-acquired and community infections. The project is supervised by Dr. Xinzhao Tong (XJTLU), Professor Jia Meng (XJTLU), and Professor Heather Allision (University of Liverpool), offering a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment. Applicants should have a strong background in bioinformatics, computational biology, epidemiology, biostatistics, or related fields, with robust programming skills in R and/or Python. Experience or keen interest in genomic data analysis, phylogenetics, and mathematical or statistical modeling (such as transmission networks and epidemiological models) is essential. Candidates must hold a Master's degree with Merit and a Bachelor's degree with first-class or upper second-class honors; exceptional candidates with only a Bachelor's degree may be considered. Proficiency in English (IELTS 6.5 or above, or equivalent) is required for non-native speakers. The PhD studentship is funded for three years, covering tuition fees (RMB 99,000 per annum) and providing up to RMB 16,500 for international conference participation. Additional living expenses may be partly covered by working as a Teaching Assistant (RMB 60 per hour). Research will primarily be conducted at XJTLU in Suzhou, China, with the possibility of a short-term research visit to the University of Liverpool if required by the project. Upon successful completion, the student will be awarded a PhD degree from the University of Liverpool (UK). Applications are accepted year-round. Interested candidates should email Dr. Xinzhao Tong at [email protected] with the project title in the subject line, including a CV, two reference letters, personal statement, English language certificates, full academic transcripts, verified degree certificates, a PDF of the Master's dissertation (or equivalent writing sample), examiners' reports, and any previous publications. For further details on entry requirements and scholarships, visit the XJTLU admissions pages linked below. Entry Requirements Fees and Scholarship Supervisor Profile: Dr. Xinzhao Tong This position is open to all qualified candidates, regardless of nationality, and offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in pathogen genomics and public health surveillance.