PhD Studentship - How Does Temperature Shape Selection for Resistance across Different Antibiotics, Strains, and Species

Overview

This PhD project at the University of Exeter, hosted by the Centre for Ecology and Conservation at the Penryn Campus, examines how temperature affects the evolution of antibiotic resistance. Climate warming is linked to rising antimicrobial resistance, but the biological mechanisms behind the link are poorly understood.

The project focuses on Klebsiella, a clinically important pathogen, and asks how temperature shapes selection for resistance across different antibiotics, strains and species. By combining eco-evolutionary theory, laboratory experiments and genomic sequencing, the student will help build and validate a model that predicts how antibiotic selection shifts with temperature, advancing the ability to control resistance in a warmer world.

What you get

The project is one of up to 18 MRC-funded studentships offered through the GW4 BioMed3 Doctoral Landscape Programme, with a start date of October 2027. The studentships last four years. Funding covers UK tuition fees and a doctoral stipend matching the UK Research Council national minimum, which is 21,805 pounds per year for 2026/27 and is updated annually. Up to 5,000 pounds per year is also available for research training and support costs.

Who can apply

The studentships are open to UK and international students. This project competes for a place with projects across the whole MRC GW4 BioMed3 Doctoral Landscape Award, in which 18 studentships are available across the partnership.

Key dates

The closing date is 21 October 2026, and the studentship begins in October 2027.