Deciphering the Genetic, Environmental and Host Determinants of Disease-Associated Inter-microbial Competition

About the Project

Inter-microbial competition is a key driver of diversity and evolution within microbial communities, including those inhabiting host mucosal surfaces. These interactions are shaped by genetic, environmental, and host factors, which can alter microbial composition and influence dysbiosis and disease outcomes. Inter-microbial competition also represents a reservoir for antimicrobials, with ~75% of all antibiotics being derived from microbes which produce them for the purpose of competition with neighbouring organisms.

This proposed PhD project employs a novel high-throughput in vitro screening platform that we have recently established to identify and characterise the genetic and environmental determinants of inter-bacterial competition using gene deletion and clinical isolate libraries (Figure 1). By fluorescently labelling entire strain libraries, we are able to assay competition at an unprecedented scale.

Initially the PhD student will focus dissecting the known microbial interaction of the pathogens Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. These species are clinically relevant opportunistic pathogens that actively compete; P. aeruginosa produces an array of secreted metabolites that are lethal to S. aureus. Yet, during infection, both are often co-isolated, suggesting conditions that permit coexistence. The mechanisms underpinning this dynamic, spanning genetic, environmental, and host influences, remain poorly understood. This project will endeavour to address this knowledge gap by enhancing our understanding of how microbial interactions can contribute to human disease in the case of coinfecting P. aeruginosa and S. aureus.

A key objective will be to establish a scalable, high-throughput pipeline for investigating additional competitive interactions across diverse bacterial species. Consequently, we hope the resulting interspecies competition maps we create will enable the discovery of novel antimicrobials, phages, novel bacterial cell biology and general resistance mechanisms arising from inter-microbial interactions.

The PhD student will receive state of the art training in high-throughput automation by the Banzhaf laboratory. After the initial phase of conducting the screens and establishing the inter-microbial bacterial networks (12-24 month), the student will then be supported by the Josts laboratory to study the molecular mode of action of the competition mechanisms that were uncovered (18-48 month). The student will, thus, benefit from broad training in systems microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology and advanced microscopy.

Funding

Students who have, or are expecting to attain, at least an upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject, are invited to apply. Funding is available for Home (UK) students to cover tuition fees, a tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate (indicative amount in year 1 in 2026-27, £21,805) and research costs, for four years. Applicants normally required to cover International fees will have to cover the difference between the Home and the International tuition fee rates. There is no additional funding available to cover NHS Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) costs, visa costs, flights etc.

Funding for this studentship is awarded on a competitive basis and is not guaranteed; availability will depend on the outcome of the selection process and subject to final approval by the University.

HOW TO APPLY

Please complete the following application form – Google Form

Applicants can only apply for 1 project; any additional applications will not be accepted.

Applicants should send the following documents to FMSstudentships@newcastle.ac.uk:

• a CV (including contact details of at least two academic (or other relevant) referees).
• a Cover letter – stating your project choice, as well as including additional information you feel is pertinent to your application.
• copies of your relevant undergraduate degree transcripts and certificates.
• a copy of your IELTS or TOEFL English language certificate (where required)
• a copy of your passport (photo page).

A GUIDE TO THE FORMAT REQUIRED FOR THE APPLICATION DOCUMENTS IS AVAILABLE

Please submit your documents in the following format only:

• each document should be submitted as a separate attachment and should be named as follows: candidate surname, candidate name – document type. For example: Jones, Jamie – CV; Jones, Jamie – cover letter.
• Please submit .pdf documents where possible for your CV, cover letter, transcripts and certificates. Do not submit photos of certificates.
• Do not combine documents into one pdf. You may zip separate documents into a zip file to send via email if required.
• When emailing your application, please use the email subject header: FMS PhD Application 2026

Applications not meeting these criteria may be rejected.

Informal enquiries may be made to the lead supervisor of the project you are interested in.

The deadline for all applications is 12 noon BST (UK time) on Wednesday 20th May 2026