PhD in Understanding the Impact of Chemical Mixtures on Antimicrobial Resistance in Freshwater Ecosystems (NERC RED-ALERT CDT)

This fully funded PhD opportunity, hosted at the University of Exeter and the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH), is part of the NERC RED-ALERT Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT). The project aims to investigate how complex chemical mixtures influence the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in freshwater ecosystems—a critical global health and environmental challenge. AMR is a growing threat, with millions of deaths attributed to bacterial resistance, and is recognized as a complex One Health issue affecting humans, animals, and the environment. Freshwater systems are particularly vulnerable to AMR due to the influx of bacteria, resistance genes, and resistance-driving chemicals from anthropogenic pollution. While the effects of individual antibiotics at environmental concentrations have been studied, the impact of real-world chemical mixtures—including biocides, pharmaceuticals, and plant protection products—on AMR dynamics remains poorly understood. This project will address this knowledge gap by combining field-based investigations with laboratory experiments to determine whether chemical mixtures act synergistically, additively, or antagonistically in promoting resistance. The research will focus on characterizing chemical mixtures and AMR levels in a 'living lab' setting, with laboratory experiments designed to test hypotheses on how these mixtures affect riverine microbial communities. The successful candidate will receive comprehensive training in fieldwork, experimental design, interdisciplinary laboratory techniques (including microbiology culturing, qPCR, advanced sequencing, and mass spectrometry), data analysis (statistics and bioinformatics), and scientific communication. Training will be delivered through the Red-ALERT programme and partner institutions, ensuring a strong interdisciplinary foundation. The supervisory team includes leading experts in antimicrobial resistance, environmental pollution, chemical mixtures, and analytical chemistry, with collaborations across academia and industry (including South West Water). Applicants should have, or expect to obtain, a First Class or good Upper Second-Class UK Honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject such as biomedical engineering, electronic engineering, chemistry, or biochemistry. A master’s degree and relevant non-academic experience are advantageous. Non-UK applicants must meet the English language requirements. The studentship covers tuition fees, a stipend (£20,780 per annum in 2025/6), and a training support budget for 3.5 years. The application deadline is January 19, 2026. Formal applications should be submitted via the Red-ALERT CDT online application form. For further information, contact the supervisory team or visit the project link.