University of East Anglia
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PhD Studentship: One Health (Meta)genomics of E. coli-Associated Urinary Tract Infections in Pregnancy University of East Anglia in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
Available
Deadline
Nov 30, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of East Anglia
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About this position
This PhD studentship at the University of East Anglia is focused on the One Health (meta)genomics of E. coli-associated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in pregnancy. The project addresses an important women’s health and infectious disease problem: UTIs affect a substantial proportion of pregnant women and can be linked to maternal sepsis, pre-term birth, and increased healthcare costs.
The student will investigate whether the elevated risk of UTIs in pregnancy is partly explained by differences in the Escherichia coli strains causing infection, including variation in phylogenetic groups, virulence genes, and antimicrobial resistance determinants. Working with clinicians at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, the project will involve collecting urine and faecal samples from pregnant women, then applying long-read genome sequencing and metagenome sequencing to characterise microbial communities. Additional work will include 18S qPCR to assess human DNA load and cytokine quantification to evaluate disease severity.
The project uses a strong One Health framework. Whole genome data from UTI-causing E. coli will be compared with genomes from the patients’ own gut microbiota, publicly available genomes from non-pregnant individuals, and E. coli from food and environmental sources. This comparative approach is designed to help clarify where infections may originate, including possible transmission through the food chain.
Funding is provided through a 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD studentship. The award includes payment of tuition fees directly to the university, a stipend for living expenses at the 2026/27 rate of £21,805 per year, and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000 per year.
The studentship is well suited to applicants interested in interdisciplinary research spanning bioinformatics, (meta)genomics, microbiology, statistics, and public health. The application deadline is 30 November 2026 at 23:59. Applicants should apply through the university application page via the advert’s Apply button.
Funding details
Available
What's required
Applicants should have or expect a strong background relevant to biosciences, microbiology, genomics, bioinformatics, or a related discipline. The project would suit candidates with interest in (meta)genomics, sequencing data analysis, antimicrobial resistance, and statistics. No specific GPA or English-language test requirement is stated in the advert.
How to apply
Apply via the University of East Anglia application link. Use the 'Apply' button on the advert page and submit your materials before 23:59 on 30 November 2026.
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