Investigating microbial biofilm omics to prevent infection and improve future therapies and diagnostics

About the Project

Griffiths Group: My group uses advanced mass spectrometry approaches to study biological surfaces such as microbial biofilms. I am interested in the study of e.g. bacterial quorum sensing molecules from microbial biofilms on different surfaces to probe the mechanisms behind when bacteria form biofilms and how they interact with other microbes. I am interested in how these insights can inform strategies to prevent biofilm formation and diagnose and treat established infections. Cross- and inter-disciplinary working is integral to my collaborative approach, delivering the highest quality research. We have access to surface analysis and imaging techniques including liquid extraction surface analysis (LESA), atmospheric-pressure matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation (AP-MALDI) and secondary ionisation mass spectrometry (SIMS).

School of Pharmacy: The University of Nottingham’s School of Pharmacy is ranked 12th in the world and 4th in the UK for Pharmacy and Pharmacology (QS World Rankings, 2025) and achieved joint 4th place in the UK on quality of research with 96% of our research assessed as 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent' according to REF 2021. The School provides an exceptional research environment.

Funding Notes

This advertisement is for self-funded students, or those that have secured their own PhD studentship funding externally. This is not a funded position.