SAAFE CRC PhD Opportunity ($45,000 per year) - Antimicrobial Research (AMR)

Ready to make your mark in antimicrobial research (AMR)?
Looking for an opportunity that nurtures research excellence, real-world impact and professional development?
This SAAFE CRC PhD opportunity is for you!

In partnership with Solving Antimicrobial Resistance in Agribusiness, Food and the Environment Cooperative Research Centre (SAAFE CRC) and The University of Queensland, this PhD focusses on Leveraging near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) technique combined with artificial intelligence (AI) in detecting AMR organisms in water.

Who are we seeking?

This opportunity is best suited to applicants with a working knowledge of molecular biology, sequencing, clinical bacteria and machine learning. You will demonstrate academic achievement in the fields of clinical bacteria and molecular techniques including sequencing and data analysis and the potential for scholastic success. A background or knowledge of clinical bacteria, molecular technologies including qPCR and genome sequencing, manuscript writing is highly desirable.

Candidates must have completed Honours or Masters level research and be able to enrol as a domestic student at The University of Queensland to be eligible for this position.

Project summary

Program: PhD

Location: St Lucia and Herston

Research area: Biological sciences, Environmental sciences, Health sciences

Project description

Culture based methods and molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction and metagenomics are used for AMR monitoring in water environments. However, culture-based methods are time consuming and molecular techniques are costly and require prior knowledge for target genes whereas metagenomics are costly and require integration of other omics data for functional insights.
The aim of this PhD project is to test the ability of Infrared light technique for rapid detection of the most common bacteria related to AMR i.e. multidrug-resistant (MDR) Enterobacterales. We will focus on extended-spectrum beta-lactamases and Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales in E coli, Klebsiella and Enterobacter. We will identify unique biomarkers associated with these bacteria, develop a standard scanning protocol for field testing and test on a preliminary scale the protocol in the real-world settings to detect AMR organisms in water. 
Project outcomes: We will determine unique NIR biomarkers for several bacteria associated with AMR in water samples, develop AI algorithms for them.

Research environment

You will have access to state-of-the-art tools and technologies for infrared analysis within the school of the Environment and molecular analysis of bacteria samples at UQCCR.
You will also have the opportunity to work nationally and internationally with leading experts in Australia and around the world.

Scholarship

This project is supported by the Research project scholarship.

This scholarship includes:

• living stipend of $45,000 per annum

• funding package of $21,000 for professional development

• tuition fees covered.

Learn more about the Research project scholarship.

Supervisor

Principal supervisor

Dr Maggy Lord

School of the Environment

View Dr Maggy Lord's profile

Associate supervisor

Associate Professor Patrick Harris

UQ Centre for Clinical Research

View Associate Professor Patrick Harris's profile

Preferred educational background

Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.

We take into account your:

• previous academic record

• publication record

• honours and awards

• employment history.