PhD Studentship (3 years) Microbiological examination of urban insect pests with potential public health significance: their carriage of bacteria and association with environmental reservoirs, including transmission potential of pathogens

Updated: over 2 years ago
Location: Birmingham, ENGLAND
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 17 Nov 2021

Location: Aston University Main Campus

Basis: Full Time

Closing Date: 23.59 hours BST on Wednesday 17 November 2021

Reference: R210401

Supervisor: Professor Anthony C. Hilton (Aston) / Dr Matthew Davies (Killgerm)

Key words: Entomology, Microbiology, Food Safety

Project Reference: Hilton_50:50_Killgerm

Applications are invited for a three year Postgraduate studentship, supported by the College of Health and Life Sciences and Killgerm Chemicals Ltd., to be undertaken within the Biosciences Research Group Biosciences Research Group | Aston University  at Aston University.  The successful applicant will join an established experimental group working on the role of arthropods as vectors of bacterial pathogens.  The studentship is offered in collaboration with Killgerm Chemicals Ltd.

The position is available to start in January 2022.

Financial Support

This studentship includes a fee bursary to cover the Home fees rate, plus a maintenance allowance of £15,609 (subject to eligibility). 

Background to the Project

The Aston / Killgerm research group has a sustained track-record in the public health significance of insect vectors of disease such as Musca domestica, non-biting flies present in hospitals, and arthropods in UK dwellings and their associated microbiome. Little is known, however,  about whether pest insects represent a persistent source, excreting bacteria over time, or whether they are mechanical vectors that transiently acquire microorganisms from the environment.  The proposed study, therefore, expands upon our findings to further examine the significance of insects as vectors of disease and particularly their microbiological impact in field situations.

Live insects active in food environments will be captured and identified. Microbiological examination of insects will be undertaken, including concurrent environmental sampling of surfaces and insect breeding material such as rodent and bird droppings. Microbiological identification, characterisation and epidemiological typing will be used to investigate links between bacteria isolated from the insects and from the environment. Insect-mediated transfer of microorganisms will be modelled in the laboratory with fruit fly Drosophila sp as the model insect to further understand the role of insect / environment microbial associations to inform public health measures.

Person Specification

The successful applicant should have been awarded, or expect to achieve, a Masters degree in a relevant subject with a 60% or higher weighted average, and/or a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree (or an equivalent qualification from an overseas institution) in a relevant biological / biomedical science degree.  Preferred skill requirements include knowledge/experience of microbiology, entomology, food safety, molecular biology.  

Contact information

For formal enquiries about this project contact Professor Anthony C. Hilton by email at [email protected]

Submitting an application

For details of how to submit an application please visit the Aston University website here https://jobs.aston.ac.uk/Vacancy.aspx?id=5902&forced=1    

If you require further information about the application process please contact the Postgraduate Admissions team at [email protected]



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