Turning bacterial metabolism against antimicrobial resistance

Background

Antibiotic-resistant infections are becoming increasingly difficult to treat, particularly those caused by Gram-negative bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This pathogen is a major cause of hospital-acquired infections and is highly resistant to treatment because it can actively pump antibiotics out of the bacterial cell.

This PhD project will explore a new strategy to overcome this problem. We aim to exploit bacterial nutrient uptake systems and trick resistant bacteria into importing antibiotics more efficiently. This could restore the activity of existing drugs and provide a new way to treat multidrug-resistant infections.

The project will involve testing novel antibiotic–nutrient conjugates against resistant P. aeruginosa, investigating how these compounds enter bacterial cells, and determining whether they can bypass efflux-mediated resistance. The student will receive training in antimicrobial susceptibility testing, bacterial genetics, drug uptake assays, resistance evolution experiments, and translational antimicrobial research.

This project is part of a collaborative New Zealand–China initiative and will contribute to global efforts to develop new solutions for antimicrobial resistance. It offers an excellent opportunity for a PhD student interested in microbiology, infectious disease, antimicrobial resistance, and antibiotic development.

Ideal candidate

This project would suit a student with a strong interest in antimicrobial resistance, bacterial pathogenesis, drug development, or translational microbiology. Prior experience in microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, or infectious disease research would be useful.

The successful candidate will join an internationally connected research programme focused on developing new strategies to treat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.

Additional funding notes

Applicants are expected to apply for a University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship. These scholarships are highly competitive. International applicants should review the University of Otago postgraduate scholarship and entry requirements through the International Office:

https://www.otago.ac.nz/courses/scholarships/university-of-otago-doctoral-scholarship

International applicants should contact the laboratory before applying. We will pre-evaluate suitable candidates and assist strong applicants with the scholarship application process. To be considered for laboratory support, international applicants must show clear evidence of exceptional academic performance, research potential, and strong endorsement from previous supervisors or academic referees.

Self-funded students are also welcome to apply for this project or propose a different project addressing antimicrobial resistance. Applicants who intend to self-fund their PhD must make this clear in their initial application.

International candidates must reside in New Zealand for the duration of the project and study under an appropriate New Zealand student visa.

Funding Notes

All candidates must be eligible for admission to the University of Otago PhD programme. Applicants should demonstrate international-level academic excellence, including a consistently outstanding GPA or equivalent outstanding grades, strong reference letters, and evidence of research potential such as publications and a research thesis. Candidates are expected to apply for a University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship, which is highly competitive. International applicants should contact the laboratory before applying for pre-evaluation. Self-funded students are welcome and should clearly state this in their application. International students must reside in New Zealand under an appropriate student visa.