Start Date: 1 October 2026 (48 month studentship)

Application Deadline: 10 April 2026

 

About the Project

 

We are seeking an ambitious and motivated researcher to undertake a PhD exploring the interactions of keystone microbial species within the oral cavity. This project will investigate how microbes and the host interact within complex biofilm models of oral disease. Understanding these microbial networks is essential to improving oral health and developing next-generation therapeutic strategies.

 

This cutting-edge PhD will centre on advanced imaging, including optical microscopy and innovative mesoscale imaging using the Mesolens, which is a unique technology developed at the host laboratory in the University of Strathclyde that can capture entire biofilm communities with sub-cellular resolution. The student will generate fluorescent reporter strains by engineering bacterial species to express genetically encoded fluorescent markers or using existing fluorescent labelling strategies, such as CLASI-FISH, and will apply world-class imaging technologies to visualise biofilm structure. The student will then develop and apply image methodologies to observe and measure the penetration and performance of active formulations designed to disrupt pathogenic communities.

 

Funding & Support

 

This studentship is jointly funded by Haleon and the University of Strathclyde. The studentship will provide:

 

4 years UK fees

4 years stipend at the UKRI rates (currently £20,780 per year for 2025/6).

 

International applicants are welcome to apply, however, they must be able to demonstrate they can fund the difference between UK and overseas fees. For 2025/26 this is £18,644 per year of study. 2026/27 rates to be confirmed. Visa, NHS charges, and travel costs must be met by the student.

 

The student will work within an interdisciplinary environment across the Universities of Strathclyde and Glasgow in the labs of Professor Gail McConnell (www.centreforbiophotonics.com), Dr Suzie Humphrey (https://www.strath.ac.uk/staff/chapmansuzie_humphreydr/) and Dr Liam Rooney (https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/infectionimmunity/staff/liamrooney/) with training in microbiology, imaging, data analysis, and biofilm model development, as well as opportunities to work on-site at Haleon (Weybridge, UK).

 

Candidate Requirements

 

Applicants must hold (or be expected to achieve) a 2:1 or above in a BSc (Hons) degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline, such as microbiology, infection biology, molecular biology, or closely related life science fields. A strong interest in microbial pathogens, imaging, and host–microbe interactions is essential.

 

How to Apply

 

Please send the following to Professor Gail McConnell (g.mcconnell@strath.ac.uk) by 10 April 2026:

1. Cover letter (no more than 1 page A4)

2. CV (no more than 2 pages)

3. Academic transcripts (if available)

4. Brief statement of research interest (no more than 2 pages)