University of Birmingham
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4 days ago
PhD Studentship in Machine Learning for Respiratory Microbiome and Plasmid Risk Assessment from Genomic Surveillance University of Birmingham in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
Available
Deadline
Nov 23, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Birmingham
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About this position
The University of Birmingham in Birmingham, United Kingdom, is advertising a PhD studentship on machine learning for plasmid risk assessment and genomic surveillance, with a focus on respiratory disease and the microbiome.
The project will analyse large-scale metagenomic sequencing data from patients across the respiratory disease severity spectrum, including people presenting with respiratory symptoms in emergency care and patients with severe pneumonia in intensive care. Researchers will characterise bacterial, viral, and fungal communities and investigate how the respiratory microbiome changes with disease severity and antibiotic exposure.
Key research interests include microbial profiling, genome reconstruction, the virome, bacteriophages, anelloviruses, phage–bacteria interactions, microbial ecological states, pathogen detection, disease-severity classification, and early prediction of clinical deterioration. Machine learning models will integrate bacterial, viral, and ecological microbiome features to generate computational tools with potential clinical and public-health applications.
Applicants should have a computational or bioinformatics background. The studentship offers opportunities to collaborate with clinicians and microbiologists while developing technical, translational, and clinical research skills. The application deadline is 23 November 2026.
Funding details
Available
What's required
Applicants require a computational or bioinformatics background. The project involves analysing large-scale metagenomic sequencing data and developing machine learning models, with exposure to clinical, microbiology, and public health research. Specific degree, GPA, or language-test requirements are not stated.
How to apply
Review the full vacancy details and submit an application through the jobs.ac.uk application page before 23 November 2026.
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Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.