PhD Studentship: Environmental Dimensions of Multidrug Resistance Exploring Ecology, Evolution and Human Exposure Risks. NERC GW4+ DTP PhD studentship for September 2026 Entry

University of Exeter - Department of Public Health and Sports Sciences

About the Partnership

This project is one of a number that are in competition for funding from the NERC Great Western Four+ Doctoral Training Partnership (GW4+ DTP).  The GW4+ DTP consists of the Great Western Four alliance of the University of Bath, University of Bristol, Cardiff University and the University of Exeter plus five Research Organisation partners:  British Antarctic Survey, British Geological Survey, Centre for Ecology and Hydrology,  the Natural History Museum and Plymouth Marine Laboratory.  The partnership aims to provide a broad training in earth and environmental sciences, designed to train tomorrow’s leaders in earth and environmental science. For further details about the programme please see http://nercgw4plus.ac.uk/

For eligible successful applicants, the studentships comprises:

• An stipend for 3.5 years (currently £20,780 p.a. for 2026/27) in line with UK Research and Innovation rates
• Payment of university tuition fees
• The budget for project costs is £9,000 which can be used for computer, lab, and fieldwork costs necessary for you to conduct your research.
• There is also a conference budget of £2,000 and individual Training Budget of £1,000 for specialist training

Project Aims and Methods

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria are an urgent challenge within the global antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crisis. Aquatic environments act as reservoirs and transmission pathways for MDR bacteria, however the ecological and evolutionary processes driving the spread of these bacteria remain poorly understood.

This PhD will explore:

1. How ecological conditions and genetic exchange shape MDR spread and persistence in natural waters
2. How human and environmental factors create hotspots of MDR transmission risk.
3. How bathing in natural waters influences MDR gene prevalence and diversity in Escherichia coli in gut microbiomes.

The doctoral researcher will influence the research direction by developing and refining research questions, and integrating innovative cross-disciplinary approaches to uncover how MDR emerges and spreads in natural waters. Training will cover microbial genomics, evolution assays, GIS, and advanced statistics, alongside transferable skills in interdisciplinary collaboration and science communication.

The project addresses fundamental questions about MDR in natural waters, generating insights relevant to environmental and public health policy. The supervisory team combines expertise in epidemiology, microbial ecology, and environmental sciences and is connected to policymakers and stakeholders, helping findings to inform practice. The PhD is aligned with in an international MDR research project, offering global collaboration and engagement with cutting-edge science.

Useful recruitment links:

For information relating to the research project please contact the lead Supervisor via: anne.leonard@exeter.ac.uk