PhD in Ion-Channel Communication, Digital Diagnostics for Antimicrobial Resistance University of Bath in United Kingdom

PhD project at the University of Bath in the Department of Chemical Engineering: Ion-channel communication: digital diagnostics for antimicrobial resistance.

This is one of several projects competing for funding from the GW4 BioMed3 MRC Doctoral Landscape Programme (DLP), which offers up to 17 studentships for entry in September 2026. The project sits at the intersection of microbiology, bioelectronics, electrical impedance spectroscopy, microfluidics, machine learning, and chemical engineering, with a strong translational focus on rapid antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) diagnostics.

The supervisory team includes Dr Nuno Reis (University of Bath), Professor David Petrik (Cardiff University), Dr Paulo Rocha (University of Coimbra), and Dr Alexandre Paschoal (The Rosalind Franklin Institute). The research aims to test whether ion-channel cell communication can be used as a platform for studying and identifying antibiotic susceptibility in bacterial populations, and to develop miniaturised, clinically relevant, point-of-care diagnostic approaches.

Students will work on observing electrical ion-channel communication in gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, generating electrical impedance and optical signatures of bacteria exposed to antibiotics, applying machine learning to identify bacteria and accelerate AST, and embedding the technique in microfluidic formats compatible with clinical microbiology. The project offers exposure to electrophysiology, microfluidics, bioelectronics, machine learning, and cell biology/microbiology, with flexibility to focus more on fundamental biology, bioelectronics, or device fabrication depending on the student’s interests.

Applicants should have, or be about to obtain, a first or upper second-class UK honours degree (or equivalent) in medical sciences, computing, mathematics, or the physical sciences. A lower second-class degree may be considered if accompanied by a Merit or above at master’s level. Relevant non-academic experience may also be considered. Non-UK applicants must meet the University of Bath English language requirements. Prior microbiology experience is advantageous.

Funding is a 4-year studentship covering tuition fees, a stipend of £21,805 per year for 2026/27, and up to £5,000 per year in research training/support funding. Home and international students may apply, though international awards are capped at 30% and do not cover visa or healthcare surcharge costs.

Applications must be submitted through the GW4 BioMed3 DLP online application form. The deadline is 21 October 2026 at 17:00 GMT. Applicants may apply for up to two projects, and only one application per candidate is allowed. Do not apply directly to the University of Bath at this stage.