University of Exeter
Just Landed
3 days ago
PhD Studentship - Bacterial Pathogen Evolution during Antibiotic-Phage Combination Treatment University of Exeter in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Biochemistry
Funding
Available
Deadline
Oct 21, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Exeter

How do I apply for this?
Sign in for free to reveal details, requirements, and source links.
Meet Kite AI
More information can be found here
Keywords
Suggested scholarships
About this position
PhD Studentship in Bacterial Pathogen Evolution during Antibiotic-Phage Combination Treatment at the University of Exeter
This project sits within the GW4 BioMed3 Doctoral Landscape Programme, which is offering up to 18 MRC-funded studentships across biomedical disciplines. The studentship starts in October 2027 and is part of a competitive cohort of projects across the MRC GW4 BioMed3 Doctoral Landscape Award partnership.
The research addresses a major challenge in modern medicine: antimicrobial resistance. Bacteriophage therapy is a promising option for treating drug-resistant infections, but it can fail when bacteria evolve resistance or use defence systems that prevent phage infection. This PhD will investigate how antibiotics alter phage-bacteria interactions, shape resistance evolution, and influence cell-to-cell variation in bacterial responses.
The student will use experimental evolution, microbiology, single-cell imaging, and biochemistry. The project involves collaboration across the University of Exeter, the University of Bath, and the University of Bristol, offering a strong interdisciplinary environment and access to a wider research network.
Funding includes UK tuition fees and a Doctoral Stipend matching the UK Research Council National Minimum (£21,805 per annum for 2026/27, updated each year). Additional research training and support funding of up to £5,000 per year is also available. The studentship is open to UK and International students.
Applications should be submitted via the University of Exeter application link before the deadline of 21 October 2026. This is a strong opportunity for applicants interested in microbial evolution, infection biology, antimicrobial resistance, and phage therapy.
Funding details
Available
What's required
Available to UK and International students. The project is a competitive studentship within the GW4 BioMed3 MRC Doctoral Landscape Award cohort; no specific degree classification, prior subject requirements, or language test requirements are stated in the posting.
How to apply
Apply via the Apply button on the University of Exeter funding page. Submit the application before 21 October 2026. The project will compete with other GW4 BioMed3 doctoral landscape studentships for one of the available places.
Ask ApplyKite AI

How do I apply for this?
Sign in for free to reveal details, requirements, and source links.