Identification of novel mechanisms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa carbapenem resistance using adaptive laboratory evolution studies.

About the Project

Pseudomonas aeruginosa was designated a “critical priority pathogen” by the WHO reflecting its ubiquity in the built environment, arsenal of virulence factors, and resistance to multiple antibiotics. Of the 160 antibiotics currently in clinical use, some strains of P. aeruginosa are resistant to all of these. A particular threat is the emergence of resistance against carbapenems, which remain a mainstay of antibiotic use globally. Resistance in P. aeruginosa is multifactorial, and known mechanisms include diminished outer membrane permeability to carbapenems, antibiotic efflux pumps, and horizontal acquisition of extended spectrum beta-lactamases. However, additional mechanisms have been implicated, the evolutionary pathway(s) of carbapenem resistance – and their associated fitness costs - remains unclear. This PhD project will use a novel inducible hypermutator strain of P. aeruginosa in adaptive laboratory evolution experiments to systematically select carbapenem-resistant mutants under controlled selective pressure. By coupling experimental evolution with whole-genome sequencing and targeted genetic validation, the work aims to identify and confirm novel mechanisms of carbapenem resistance advancing our understanding of resistance evolution with direct clinical relevance.

About the Studentship:

Project location: Cambridge campus. Prospective candidates who would not be Cambridge-based are encouraged to contact the principal supervisor prior to application (contact details below).

Candidates for this PhD Studentship must demonstrate outstanding qualities and be motivated to complete a PhD within 3 years.

Qualifications:

Applicants should have a minimum of a 2.1 Honours degree in a relevant discipline. An IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 minimum (or equivalent) is essential for candidates for whom English is not their first language.

In addition to satisfying basic entry criteria, the University will look closely at the qualities, skills, and background of each candidate and what they can bring to their chosen research project in order to ensure successful and timely completion.

Applicants should have experience of basic microbiological techniques.

How to apply:

To apply, please complete the application form available from the following website: Biomedical Science - MPhil, PhD - ARU. Please ensure the reference ‘PhD Studentship: Identification of novel mechanisms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa carbapenem resistance using adaptive laboratory evolution studies. ’ is clearly stated on the application form, under the title ‘Outline of your proposed research’. Within this section of the application form, applicants should include a 500-word outline of the skills that they would bring to this research project and detail any previous relevant experience.

Interested applicants should direct initial queries about the project to Dr Caray Walker via email: caray.walker@aru.ac.uk. For enquiries regarding the process and eligibility please contact SE-Research@aru.ac.uk.

Interviews are scheduled to take place in July 2026.

We value diversity at Anglia Ruskin University and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Closing Date – 01st July 2026.

Funding Notes

A 3-year studentship is offered, intended to start in September 2026, providing a tax-free stipend of £21,805 per annum plus a full fee-waiver for tuition fees. Due to funding restrictions, this studentship is only available as a full-time position.