Fully Funded EPSRC and Swansea PhD Scholarship: Patchy Sweet Bullets Against Bacteria

Funding providers: EPSRC and Swansea University's Faculty of Science and Engineering

Subject areas: Polymer and Glyco Chemistry, Biomaterials, Antimicrobials

Project description: 

A significant phenotypic heterogeneity exists within the clonal bacterial population for adhesion to different surfaces. Bacteria even lacking adhesive lectins can bind to cells and cause infections. The objective of this studentship is focused on engineering heterogeneous glycosystems with patchy attributes to simultaneously target varied bacterial populations with high selectivity index. 

The candidate will employ an exciting interdisciplinary approach, commencing with polymer and glycochemistry to engineer patchy glycosystems. These systems will be thoroughly characterized in our modern University laboratory using SEM, AFM, and TEM. The efficacy of these materials will be assessed against different bacterial strains in the Institute of Life Sciences at Swansea University. A comprehensive training programme will be provided by an interdisciplinary supervisory team’s expertise in chemistry (Dr Bhatia), natural products (Dr Loveridge), and microbiology (Professor Wilkinson).  

Eligibility

Candidates must hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level or master’s degree with a minimum overall grade at ‘Merit’ (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University). Please note that you may need to provide evidence of your English Language proficiency.

Due to funding restrictions, this scholarship is open to applicants eligible to pay tuition fees at the UK rate only, as defined by UKCISA regulations. 

Additional Funding Information

This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees and an annual stipend at £19,237.

Additional research expenses will also be available.