Mike Cox

Two PhD opportunities are available in the Respiratory Microbiome Group at the University of Warwick , advertised through the MIBTP Doctoral Training programme . Project 1: Mechanisms of azithromycin action in host-microbiome models of the respiratory tract. This project focuses on how azithromycin works in respiratory disease models, including its antibiotic and anti-inflammatory activity, and how it affects interactions between respiratory pathogens and the innate immune system. It is co-supervised by Dr Michelle Buckner and Dr Rahul Mahida . Project 2: Phylosymbiosis of Streptococcus in the great ape oral microbiome. This interdisciplinary project examines how host co-evolution and/or transmission between animals shapes Streptococcus diversity. It involves collaboration with veterinary colleagues at the University of Nottingham and Twycross Zoo , which uniquely houses all four great ape species in Europe. It is co-supervised by Professor Melissa Grant at University of Birmingham . These are PhD-level opportunities. The post does not list a deadline, stipend amount, or detailed eligibility criteria, but the positions are clearly research-focused and linked to doctoral training funding. Interested applicants should use the project links to read the full adverts and application instructions. Research keywords: respiratory microbiome, azithromycin, host-microbiome models, respiratory pathogens, innate immunity, Streptococcus, phylosymbiosis, great ape microbiome, comparative microbiology, veterinary collaboration.