[PhD by Enterprise FSE] Field-Deployable Genotyping for Animal Health and Biosurveillance

About the Project

The Covid19 pandemic demonstrated that testing in a home setting using lateral flow tests (LFTs), which are affordable and usable by non-specialists, was an effective tool for the management of patient isolation and pandemic monitoring. From a biochemical perspective, the current LFT formats utilise the capture of viral proteins by cognate antibodies. However, this is a fundamentally less sensitive approach since it is unable to detect prodromic infections where levels of the pathogen are low, and it is unable to differentiate different strains of the virus. Rather, what is required is a method of detecting the DNA/RNA of the pathogen, but with a sensitivity that is sufficiently high for early detection.

CRISPR-based diagnostics, including DETECTR (DNA detection) and SHERLOCK (RNA detection), are emerging as powerful platforms for rapid and highly specific molecular detection. These systems combine a Cas enzyme (Cas12a or Cas13) with a programmable CRISPR RNA (crRNA) designed to recognise a target sequence. Upon binding the target, the enzyme becomes activated and exhibits collateral nuclease activity, cleaving fluorogenic reporter probes, resulting in very sensitive fluorescence signals. However, current CRISPR diagnostics rely on laboratory-based spectrofluorometers, limiting their use in field environments.

This research aims to develop CRISPR-based diagnostics in LFT format. Such LFT formats are particularly applicable in this context, being cheap, rapid, sensitive and portable; and can be used without specialist training or equipment – and hence deployable outside a laboratory setting.

This research will suit a chemist, molecular biologist or microbiologist with an interest in working on a varied and multidisciplinary project. The successful candidate will receive a broad scientific training across these areas, as appropriate to their background. They will join a growing team of researchers from a range of backgrounds. The research will be based across the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology and the Genome Editing Unit at the University of Manchester, both of which offer state-of-the-art laboratories, instrumentation and facilities. Informal enquiries can be directed at the supervisor Dr. Lu Shin Wong (l.s.wong@manchester.ac.uk).

This is not a traditional PhD. As part of the PhD by Enterprise Programme, you will receive dedicated training in entrepreneurship, innovation, and venture development. You will be supported to explore market opportunities, develop a business plan, and potentially contribute to the creation of a spin-out company based on your research.

Applicants are expected to hold (or about to obtain) a minimum upper second-class undergraduate honours degree (or equivalent) in chemistry, molecular biology, microbiology or related subject. Research experience in diagnostics, virology or analytical (bio)chemistry are desirable.

To apply for this project please select PhD Enterpise (FSE).

FSE_Enterprise

Funding Notes

Fully funded studentships are available to start in 2026/27 and provide the following:

• Funding at the UKRI stipend rate, £21,805
• Tuition fees
• Up to £20,000 RTSG per studentship, depending on the research project
• Additional support for entrepreneurship training and customer discovery activities
• Visa and immigration costs reimbursed for successful international PGRs