Exploring how Mycobacterium tuberculosis uses nutrients

Details

This PhD project will investigate how Mycobacterium tuberculosis utilises nutrients and how changes in nutrient transport influence pathogen biology by combining microbiology, biochemical and analytical approaches.

Tuberculosis (TB), caused by the bacterial pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), remains the leading cause of death worldwide from a single bacterial pathogen. The latest World Health Organisation report estimates that ~1.3 million people died from TB in 2024 and more than 10 million were diagnosed with the disease. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new therapeutic and diagnostic strategies to control this major global health challenge.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a remarkably successful and unusual pathogen that can survive in the human body for decades. However, we still do not fully understand which nutrients this pathogen can access and use during infection. This project will use a combination of microbiology, genetic, biochemical and analytical techniques to determine the nutrients that M. tuberculosis uses to survive and reveal how pathogen biology is altered when the nutrient transport is disrupted. This builds on our previous work (for example PMID: 40818611, 39144457, 34296047) and will provide new insights into how M. tuberculosis adapts and survives in the human host. By understanding how nutrient utilisation shapes pathogen biology, we have an opportunity to exploit this knowledge to develop new strategies to combat this deadly pathogen.

This exciting interdisciplinary PhD project will be based at the University of Manchester, within the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology and the Michael Smith building. The successful candidate will receive multidisciplinary training across microbiology, biochemical and analytical methods while working within a collaborative research environment with access to world-class facilities and expertise. This provides a unique opportunity to address a global health challenge while developing new approaches to manipulate the biology of an important human pathogen.

Eligibility

Applicants should have, or be about to obtain, at least a 2.1 UK honours degree and ideally hold a master’s level qualification at merit or distinction (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject. Applicants with a strong interest in pathogen biochemistry are encouraged to apply. Research experience in microbiology and analytical methods is desirable. 

Funding

This 3.5-year PhD project is fully funded and home students are eligible to apply. The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£21,805 for 2026/27) and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year. The start date is October 2026.

We recommend that you apply early as the advert may be removed before the deadline.

Before you apply

Apply directly via the online application portal. There is no need to contact Professor Elizabeth Fullam before applying unless specific information is required.

How to apply

Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:

• CV (the CV should be 2 pages maximum)
• Supporting statement: A 1-page statement (note 1-page limit) outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research, the area(s) of research you’re interested in, any relevant research or work experience and techniques and skills you’ve developed.
• Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
• Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
• Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.

Incomplete, late applications or applications which do not follow the guidelines outlined will not be considered.

Use of AI in applications: We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.

Equality, diversity and inclusion are central to the University’s activities. The full statement can be found here. We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community. We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles.

Funding Notes

This 3.5-year PhD project is fully funded and home students are eligible to apply. The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£21,805 for 2026/27) and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year. The start date is October 2026.

We recommend that you apply early as the advert may be removed before the deadline.