Optimising the use of alternative therapies for the treatment of urinary infections
Fact file
| Duration |
Three years |
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| Eligibility |
Applicants should have a minimum of a 2.1 undergraduate degree in Microbiology, Biology or Biological sciences, Biomedical Sciences or similar subject or a minimum of a 2.2 degree and a Master’s degree in Microbiology, Biology or Biological sciences, Biomedical Sciences or similar subject.
This is a fully funded studentship (home fees and stipend) open to UK nationals. Fee status will be assessed on application. |
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| Supervisor(s) |
Dr Alasdair Hubbard, Dr Robert Atterbury, Dr Gareth McVicker (Nottingham Trent University), Dr Raveen Tank (University of Manchester) and Dr Freya Harrison (University of Warwick). |
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| Start date |
1st April 2026 or 1st July 2026 |
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| Application deadline |
27th February 2026 |
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About the project
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common infections treated in the UK, placing significant pressure on healthcare services. Many people experience recurrent UTIs (rUTIs), which can severely affect wellbeing and often require repeated courses of antibiotics. With antimicrobial resistance (AMR) rising globally, there is an urgent need for new strategies that reduce antibiotic use while keeping patients safe.
This PhD project explores how two non‑antibiotic treatments, methenamine and vaginal oestrogen, can be used more effectively to prevent rUTIs. Both treatments are already recommended in the UK, but their interactions with commonly used antibiotics and their potential influence on AMR remain poorly understood. Additionally, we do not fully understand how they present rUTIs. You will investigate these interactions and how they prevent rUTIs using cutting‑edge laboratory methods, including microbial checkerboard assays, microbial evolution, biofilm assays, microscopy, microfluidics, bioinformatics and use a state‑of‑the‑art 3D human bladder model. This project will generate fundamental evidence to guide safer and more effective prevention strategies, helping inform treatment approaches that minimise antibiotic use and limit the emergence of resistance.
You will join a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary supervisory team with expertise in microbiology, cell culture, AMR, imaging, bioinformatics and molecular biology.
This fully funded studentship suits candidates with enthusiasm for infection biology, microbiology and/or AMR research. Comprehensive training and professional development opportunities will be provided throughout the project.
Research Environment
Research at the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science includes established world class research groups. 85% of our research is classed as "world-leading" (4*) or "internationally excellent" (3*) and our research collaborations and networks extend nationally and internationally. Research undertaken at the School is relevant to both Veterinary Medicine and Science, One Health, and Comparative and Human Medicine.
Entry requirements
Applicants should have a minimum of a 2.1 undergraduate degree in Microbiology, Biology or Biological sciences, Biomedical Sciences or similar subject or a minimum of a 2.2 degree and a Master’s degree in Microbiology, Biology or Biological sciences, Biomedical Sciences or similar subject.
Funding notes
This is a fully funded studentship (home fees and stipend) open to UK nationals. Fee status will be assessed on application.
How to apply
Informal enquiries may be addressed to the principal supervisor:alasdair.hubbard@nottingham.ac.uk
Candidates should and include a CV. When completing the online application form, please select the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, then PhD Veterinary Medicine and Science (36m) and, once submitted, send your student ID number to SV-PG-VET@exmail.nottingham.ac.uk.
Any queries regarding the application process should be addressed to SV-PG-VET@exmail.nottingham.ac.uk.
Interview Date: March 2026, date to be confirmed