This project is closed for international students.
Project summary
- Program
- PhD
- Location
- St Lucia
- Research area
- Biological sciences
Project description
Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are a major global healthcare challenge, impacting patients in both developed and developing countries. In Australia, over 165,000 patients suffer from HAIs annually. The issue is exacerbated by antibiotic resistance, which limits treatment options and worsens patient outcomes. Plasmids and other mobile genetic elements (MGEs) play a crucial role in the carriage and transmission of antibiotic resistance genes between bacteria. Therefore, understanding their biology is essential to mitigating the spread of these resistance genes and improving the treatment of infectious diseases.
This project aims to integrate genomic and laboratory-based molecular characterisation to unravel the mechanisms governing the transmission of antibiotic resistance genes among bacteria. High-throughput genomic analysis will be employed to explore the diversity and distribution of plasmids and other MGEs involved in the carriage and transmission of these genes, as well as the genomic mechanisms behind their transfer. Molecular microbiology techniques will be utilised to elucidate the genetic mechanisms underlying plasmid and MGE transmission and their regulation. This project will develop expertise in cutting-edge genome sequencing, high-throughput genomics, molecular microbiology, and bacterial genetics.
Aligned with a recently awarded Category 1 Australian Medical Research Future Fund research grant, this scholarship offers the opportunity to work with leading researchers and contribute to a significant national project. Students with a keen interest in microbiology, microbial genomics, and antibiotic resistance are encouraged to apply
Research environment
The Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB) at the University of Queensland provides world class facilities, infrastructure, technical resources, equipment and research support for the proposed research. The position will be based in Dr Brian Forde's research team, which is part of the IMB Centre for Superbug Solutions, a research grouping comprising 7 teams and 85 members. The Centre leads an ambitious program on antibiotic resistance and discovery with a goal to understand bacterial disease pathogenesis, train the next generation of researchers in the field, and develop new treatments and vaccines for drug resistant pathogens.
Scholarship
This is an Fellowship support scheme scholarship project that aligns with a recently awarded Australian Government grant.
The scholarship includes:
- living stipend of $36,400 per annum tax free (2025 rate), indexed annually
- your tuition fees covered
Learn more about the Fellowship support scheme scholarship.
Supervisor
Principal supervisor
You must contact the principal supervisor for this project to discuss your interest. You should only complete the online application after you have reached agreement on supervision.
Always make sure you are approaching your potential supervisor in a professional way. We have provided some guidelines for you on how to contact a supervisor.
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.
A working knowledge of molecular microbiology, bacterial genomics and antibiotic resistance would be of benefit to someone working on this project.
You will demonstrate academic achievement in the field of microbiology and the potential for scholastic success.
A background or knowledge of bacterial genomics/genetics is highly desirable.
How to apply
This project requires candidates to commence no later than Research Quarter 3, 2025. To allow time for your application to be processed, we recommend applying no later than 31 March, 2025 31 December, 2024.
You can start in an earlier research quarter. See application dates.
Before you apply
- Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
- Prepare your documentation.
- Contact Dr Brian Forde (b.forde@uq.edu.au) to discuss your interest and suitability.
When you apply
You apply for this scholarship when you submit an application for a PhD. You don’t need to submit a separate scholarship application.
In your application ensure that under the ‘Scholarships and collaborative study’ section you select:
- My higher degree is not collaborative
- I am applying for, or have been awarded a scholarship or sponsorship
- UQ Earmarked Scholarship type.