(PhD by Enterprise) Genome safeguarding technologies for synthetic phage therapeutics against multidrug resistant bacterial infections

About the Project

Rising levels of antimicrobial resistance pose a serious threat to global health and modern medical treatments. The slow pace of antimicrobial discovery has driven the rediscovery of an old idea: using the natural viral predators of bacteria, phages, to treat infections. Conventional phage therapy, using naturally occurring phages, has been proven safe and effective across 1000s of individual patients for a wide range of bacterial diseases. Rollout of conventional phage therapy in the clinic has, however, been slowed by logistical, regulatory and commercialization barriers. Synthetic genomics allows phage genomes to edited, recombined or designed from scratch. Synthetic phages are a pathway to more standardized, scaleable and commercializable phage therapeutics, overcoming regulatory and commercialization barriers. Robust genome safeguarding will be essential for the broad adoption of synthetic phage therapeutics.

In this project we will develop genome safeguarding technologies for synthetic phages that prevent their unwanted release into natural environments and ensure robust protection of intellectual property. These genome safeguarding technologies will be built-in to synthetic phage therapeutics for treatment of multidrug resistant bacterial infections and tested in relevant preclinical infection models.

The project will offer broad training in synthetic genomics and synthetic biology, microbiology and phage biology, infection biology and evolutionary biology. The student will gain expertise in statistical analysis, bioinformatics, data visualisation and experimental design. The project will provide experience in developing a novel biotechnology including training in innovation, commercialisation and business development and opportunities to interact with regulators and policy-makers.

Entry Requirements

Applicants should hold (or be about to obtain) a First or Upper Second class (2:1) UK honours degree, or international equivalent, in a relevant subject.

Application Guidance

Candidates must contact the primary supervisor before applying to discuss their interest in the project and assess their suitability.

Apply directly via this link: https://shorturl.at/BRKKT or on the online application portal, select PhD by Enterprise Programme as the programme of study.

Please ensure that your application includes all required supporting documents:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Supporting Statement
• Academic Certificates and Transcripts

Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Further details are available on our website: PhD by Enterprise | Biology, Medicine and Health | The University of Manchester

Equality, diversity and inclusion are central to the University’s activities. The full statement can be found here: https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/getting-started/equality-diversity-inclusion/

Funding Notes

This PhD by Enterprise studentships provide full funding for tuition fees and a stipend at the UKRI rate for four years starting in September 2026. This funded scheme will also allow for Visa and Immigration Costs to be reimbursed for successful international PGRs.

References

1. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.02.18.705331
2. https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2024.0080
3. https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.10.05.680503