Uncovering a new class of toxins in pathogenic mycobacteria

About the Project

We are seeking a PhD candidate to join an exciting interdisciplinary project exploring newly discovered toxin–immunity systems in the important pathogen Mycobacterium abscessus. This is a unique opportunity to work at the cutting edge of microbiology, structural biology, and biochemical research within the world‑class Biosciences Institute at Newcastle University.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common life‑limiting genetic disorder in the UK, and chronic respiratory infection is a major contributor to morbidity. In recent years, infection with non‑tuberculous mycobacteria, especially Mycobacterium abscessus, has risen significantly. This organism is highly drug‑resistant, extremely difficult to treat, and can render patients ineligible for life‑saving lung transplants. Understanding how M. abscessus competes, survives, and causes disease is therefore a central biomedical challenge.

Our research team has recently discovered a new class of antibacterial toxins encoded by M. abscessus. Unlike those secreted by the well‑studied Type VII Secretion System, these toxins instead contain a transmembrane anchor followed by an unusually long extension that we predict spans the entire mycobacterial cell envelope. At the tip of this extended “arm” lies a potent toxin domain, an enzyme that targets the cell wall of competing mycobacteria.

This PhD project will uncover how these toxins function, where they localise within the cell envelope, and how they shape microbial competition. You will employ a combination of biochemical assays, enzyme characterisation, structural biology (including X‑ray crystallography and cryo‑EM), microbial genetics, fluorescence‑based localisation, and competition assays with multiple mycobacterial species. The project offers extensive training across molecular microbiology and genetics, protein biochemistry, and advanced structural methods.

You will join an experienced supervisory team with complementary expertise: Dr Elisabeth Lowe, Prof Tracy Palmer and Dr Kate Beckham.

We welcome applicants with backgrounds in microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, structural biology, or related disciplines. Curiosity, critical thinking, and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research are essential.

If you are excited by the prospect of discovering entirely new biological systems and contributing to long‑term therapeutic strategies against mycobacterial disease, we encourage you to apply.

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)
• 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.