About the Project
Primary Supervisor - Professor Mark Webber
Are you passionate about understanding antibiotic resistance at the molecular level? Join Professor Mark Webber and Dr Gemma Langridge at the Quadram Institute Bioscience for a cutting-edge PhD project exploring how bacteria evolve multidrug resistance.
Bacteria carry multiple efflux pumps, yet only a few dominate resistance in clinical isolates. Why this is the case is unclear. This project will investigate the hierarchy of multidrug efflux systems in E. coli and beyond, testing whether this hierarchy is condition-dependent and alterable.
Using a massive transposon library of 800,000+ mutants, you'll map fitness impacts across diverse conditions—anaerobic growth, biofilms, serum, and more. You'll explore how pump removal reshapes resistance hierarchies and separate functional from regulatory costs.
You'll gain expert training in microbial evolution, genetics, transposon mutagenesis, and bioinformatics. You will be based within the state-of-the-art Quadram Institute building located on the Norwich Research Park, which host the Centre for Microbial Interactions, a vibrant research community of over 100 microbiology research groups. The project offers a wide range of opportunities for training and personal development in a world class environment.
The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP) is offering fully funded studentships for October 2027 entry. The programme offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP students undertake a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS) during their study. The placement offers exciting and invaluable work experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team.
This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th February 2027.
Visit our website for further information on eligibility and how to apply: Doctoral Training Partnership | PhD opportunities for bioscience graduates
Our partners value diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background.
To maximise accessibility and attract students from underrepresented groups to our programme we have introduced bespoke templates for applicant Personal and Research statements which will enable every applicant to fully represent themselves through providing suitable examples and evidence. These forms are on the NRPDTP website and must be used for these sections of the application form.
Entry requirements
At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1. English Language requirement (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category).
Mode of study
Full-time
Start date
1 October 2027
Funding Notes
This project is awarded with a 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD DTP studentship. The studentship includes payment of tuition fees (directly to the University), a stipend to cover living expenses (2026/27 stipend rate: £21,805, and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000pa for each year of the studentship.