Fixed-term
SLS-1: Producing improved HIV-immunotherapies by integrating AI with plant molecular farming
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to develop next-generation HIV immunotherapies by combining artificial intelligence with plant molecular farming. HIV remains a major global health challenge, and current treatments are expensive and difficult to deliver in low-resource settings. This project will use AI approaches to predict novel broadly neutralising antibodies capable of targeting conserved regions of the HIV envelope, inspired by rare “elite controllers”. Candidate antibodies will be rapidly produced using low-cost plant expression systems and evaluated in vitro to determine whether their efficacy matches or exceeds existing therapies. The project offers interdisciplinary training across AI, molecular biology, plant biotechnology, and immunology, and is ideal for graduates with interests in computational biology, bioengineering, and global health research. Please contact Dr Cathy Moore to discuss: c.moore@westminster.ac.uk. Entry requirements and how to apply Candidates should have a minimum classification of 2.1 in their Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, and preferably a Master’s degree. Applicants whose secondary level education has not been conducted in the medium of English should also demonstrate evidence of appropriate English language proficiency normally defined as IELTS: 6.5 (overall score with not less than 6.0 in any of the individual elements). Read more about: Our entry requirements How to apply What should be in a PhD research proposal Our Graduate School and the support they provide To make an application: Visit the School of Life Sciences page to apply for the programme most appropriate to your research. Application deadline: Applications should be submitted by 5pm on Friday 15 May 2026. Interviews will take place in June. You must include the code and title of the studentship you are applying for in your application header, ie “SLS-1 Studentship”. For queries about any aspect of the application process or informal enquiries, contact our Doctoral Coordinator, Dr Polly Hayes at p.hayes@westminster.ac.uk. * Minimum full-time enrolment before submission is 33 months. Fee waivers and maintenance are in place for the three-year studentship. Following that, there is a six-month no-fee period for writing up. If a doctoral research student has not submitted by the end of the no-fee period, a £1,500 fee applies.
SLS-2: Democratising Prenatal Screening: Evaluating finger prick Dried Blood Spots as a Simplified Alternative to Plasma-Based Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing for Common Aneuploidies
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to pioneer a simplified approach to non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for fetal chromosomal abnormalities. This innovative project investigates alternative sources of DNA, such as blood spot samples, that could potentially replace blood plasma for accurate detection of common trisomies (Down’s, Edwards’, and Patau syndromes), potentially revolutionising prenatal screening accessibility worldwide. You will develop and validate a novel NIPT assay using cutting-edge molecular techniques, including next-generation sequencing (NGS), cell-free DNA (cfDNA) extraction, and fetal fraction quantification. This combined wet-lab and dry-lab project offers hands-on experience with advanced genomic technologies while conducting a comprehensive cost-effectiveness analysis to assess the feasibility of implementing blood-spot screening in clinical settings. The research addresses a critical healthcare challenge: current plasma-based NIPT requires specialised equipment, trained phlebotomists, and cold-chain transport, limiting accessibility in resource-constrained settings. Your work could enable self-collection, reduce NHS costs, and democratize access to gold-standard prenatal screening globally. Requirements Undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in molecular biology, genetics, bioinformatics, or related biomedical sciences. Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail. Commitment to completing mandatory Human Tissue Act (HTA) training. Enthusiasm for collaborative research with clinical partners. Desirable skills Experience in omics technologies or bioinformatics data analysis. Knowledge of prenatal diagnostics or reproductive health. Statistical analysis experience. Note: Training in NGS, cfDNA analysis, and data interpretation will be provided during Year 1. This research directly contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities) by developing accessible diagnostic tools that empower women to make informed reproductive decisions. By simplifying prenatal screening, you will help eliminate healthcare disparities and improve maternal-fetal outcomes in underserved communities. Join us in transforming women’s health through innovative biomedical research that bridges laboratory science and real-world clinical impact. This is your opportunity to develop expertise in advanced molecular diagnostics while addressing a critical global healthcare need. Please contact Dr Maria Neofytou to discuss: m.neofytou@westminster.ac.uk. Entry requirements and how to apply Candidates should have a minimum classification of 2.1 in their Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, and preferably a Master’s degree. Applicants whose secondary level education has not been conducted in the medium of English should also demonstrate evidence of appropriate English language proficiency normally defined as IELTS: 6.5 (overall score with not less than 6.0 in any of the individual elements). Read more about: Our entry requirements How to apply What should be in a PhD research proposal Our Graduate School and the support they provide To make an application: Visit the School of Life Sciences page to apply for the programme most appropriate to your research. Application deadline: Applications should be submitted by 5pm on Friday 15 May 2026. Interviews will take place in June. You must include the code and title of the studentship you are applying for in your application header, ie “SLS-1 Studentship”. For queries about any aspect of the application process or informal enquiries, contact our Doctoral Coordinator, Dr Polly Hayes at p.hayes@westminster.ac.uk. * Minimum full-time enrolment before submission is 33 months. Fee waivers and maintenance are in place for the three-year studentship. Following that, there is a six-month no-fee period for writing up. If a doctoral research student has not submitted by the end of the no-fee period, a £1,500 fee applies.
Determining the diversity and functionality of antimicrobial resistance genes encoded by Klebsiella spp
Project overview Klebsiella spp. are found in a range of different environments. They are early colonisers and commensals of human skin, oral, nasal, throat and gut microbiotas, but also contribute to a wide range of nosocomial infections (e.g. pneumonia, wound, urinary tract or bloodstream infections, sepsis). Infections caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae are increasingly associated with multidrug resistance, with Klebsiella pneumoniae the most studied species of the genus Klebsiella because of its contribution to the global burden of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). However, reports on AMR in all Klebsiella spp. are increasing, and most members of the genus Klebsiella have been reported as emerging opportunistic pathogens of humans and other animals. The beta-lactamases SHV and OXY are core to members of the Klebsiella pneumoniae and Klebsiella oxytoca complexes, respectively, providing these bacteria with intrinsic resistance to antibiotics such as ampicillin. Recent work in our laboratory has shown that known and novel members of the Klebsiella planticola and Klebsiella terrigena complexes also encode core beta-lactamases conferring resistance to penicillins. beta-Lactamases encoded by KPC, OXA-48 and NDM genes are found in some clinical isolates of Klebsiella, are associated with multidrug resistance and contribute directly to treatment failures in clinical settings. We have found that Klebsiella spp. encode a range of uncharacterized AMR genes. Some, or all, of these genes may be functional. If they are functional, they may represent an unrecognized contributor to the global burden of AMR. This project will combine computational- and laboratory-based approaches to characterize the full range of beta-lactamases encoded by Klebsiella spp. Full training will be provided in relevant bioinformatics and data science skills to the student who takes on this exciting and ambitious project. You will be part of the Antimicrobial Resistance, Omics and Microbiota (AROM) research theme based on the Clifton Campus of Nottingham Trent University (NTU). In addition to attending weekly AROM meetings, where you will have the opportunity to present your work, you will be encouraged to present your work at national and international scientific conferences and to publish your research findings in peer-reviewed journals. You will also receive additional relevant training through events and activities organised through NTU’s Doctoral School and the School of Science and Technology. Entry qualifications Applicants should hold, or be expected to hold, a UK Master’s degree (or UK equivalent according to NARIC) with a minimum of a commendation, and/or a UK 1st Class / 2.1 Bachelor’s Honour’s Degree (or UK equivalent according to NARIC) in Microbiology, Biochemistry or Molecular Biology. How to apply How to apply: Please visit our how to apply page for a step-by-step guide. Applications are open all year round. Fees and funding This is a self-funded opportunity for UK and International applicants. Still need help? Contact Professor Lesley Hoyles on: Email: lesley.hoyles@ntu.ac.uk Apply Now