Resolving the mechanism of Mycobacterium tuberculosis antibiotic tolerance through single-molecule microscopy

About the Project

Project Summary:

Tuberculosis (TB) remains the deadliest bacterial infection worldwide, causing ~1.2 million deaths annually. A major barrier to TB treatment is the remarkable ability of Mycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb) to withstand transient exposure to high doses of antibiotics, a characteristic known as antibiotic tolerance. A key contributor to this tolerance is Mtb’s extraordinarily slow growth: the doubling time of Mtb (~24 hrs) is famously far longer than that of model pathogens like E. coliandS. aureus(~20 min).

But, this presents a fundamental puzzle: the enzymes contributing to Mtb’s growth are governed by the same physical laws as those in fast-growing bacteria. So, how does Mtb achieve ultra-slow growth at a molecular level?

In this interdisciplinary PhD project, you’ll investigate the molecular basis for Mtb’s ultra-slow growth and antibiotic tolerance using cutting-edge single-molecule microscopy and single-cell approaches.

What you’ll do:

You’ll construct new strains ofMtb and use cutting-edge imaging techniques such as VerCINI, a method developed by the primary supervisor where we stand bacterial cells vertically while imaging them, to investigate the mechanism of ultra-slow growth and antibiotic tolerance at both a single-molecule and single-cell level.

You'll be at the forefront of investigating the fundamental biology of one of the world’s most important pathogens with state-of-the-art methods, and your work will provide crucial insight that may shape the next generation of anti-TB therapies.

Training and Techniques:

You’ll gain hands-on experience in:

• Bacterial genetics and strain construction
• Pathogen biology and biosafety practices
• State-of-the-art fluorescence microscopy (especially single-particle tracking)
• Quantitative image analysis and coding (including MATLAB)
• Single-cell antibiotic survival and mode of action assays

You’ll be based in the world-class Centre for Bacterial Cell Biology and supported by an interdisciplinary team with deep expertise in single-molecule biophysics (Whitley lab), antibiotic mechanisms (Strahl lab), and TB biology (Brown lab).

Who should apply?

This project would suit candidates with a background in biomedical science, microbiology, physics, or a related field. Candidates excited about interdisciplinary work spanning biophysics and microbiology are especially encouraged to apply.

Join us in uncovering how one of the world’s most devastating pathogens builds its defenses —one molecule at a time.

Whitley lab website: https://www.whitleylab.com/

Funding

Students who have, or are expecting to attain, at least an upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject, are invited to apply. Funding is available for Home (UK) students to cover tuition fees, a tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate (indicative amount in year 1 in 2026-27, £21,805) and research costs, for four years. Applicants normally required to cover International fees will have to cover the difference between the Home and the International tuition fee rates. There is no additional funding available to cover NHS Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) costs, visa costs, flights etc.

Funding for this studentship is awarded on a competitive basis and is not guaranteed; availability will depend on the outcome of the selection process and subject to final approval by the University.

HOW TO APPLY

Please complete the following application form – Google Form

Applicants can only apply for 1 project; any additional applications will not be accepted.

Applicants should send the following documents to FMSstudentships@newcastle.ac.uk:

• a CV (including contact details of at least two academic (or other relevant) referees).
• a Cover letter – stating your project choice, as well as including additional information you feel is pertinent to your application.
• copies of your relevant undergraduate degree transcripts and certificates.
• a copy of your IELTS or TOEFL English language certificate (where required)

(You can check that you meet Newcastle University English Language requirements using this link - International Students: English Language Requirements | Newcastle Uni | Newcastle University)

• a copy of your passport (photo page).

A GUIDE TO THE FORMAT REQUIRED FOR THE APPLICATION DOCUMENTS IS AVAILABLE

Please submit your documents in the following format only:

• each document should be submitted as a separate attachment and should be named as follows: candidate surname, candidate name – document type. For example: Jones, Jamie – CV; Jones, Jamie – cover letter.
• Please submit .pdf documents where possible for your CV, cover letter, transcripts and certificates. Do not submit photos of certificates.
• Do not combine documents into one pdf. You may zip separate documents into a zip file to send via email if required.
• When emailing your application, please use the email subject header: FMS PhD Application 2026

Applications not meeting these criteria may be rejected.

Informal enquiries may be made to the lead supervisor of the project you are interested in.

The deadline for all applications is 12 noon BST (UK time) on Wednesday 20th May 2026.