PhD in Phage Therapy AMR Oral Infections

The University of Salford, in collaboration with leading researchers from the University of Liverpool and the University of Limerick, is offering a self‑funded PhD opportunity that aims to advance bacteriophage research for oral health. This project focuses on isolating and characterising bacteriophages capable of targeting antibiotic‑resistant bacteria responsible for common dental infections.

Oral diseases such as periodontitis, gingivitis, and dental abscesses affect billions of people worldwide. Many of these infections are caused by bacterial communities that have become increasingly resistant to antibiotics and commonly used antiseptics.

Traditional treatments often eliminate both harmful and beneficial bacteria, disrupting the natural oral microbiome. Bacteriophage therapy offers a more targeted approach by selectively infecting disease‑causing bacteria while leaving healthy microbial communities largely unaffected.

This PhD project aims to identify naturally occurring bacteriophages that can target major oral pathogens and evaluate their potential for developing a phage‑based mouthwash as a future treatment for dental infections.

• Isolate bacteriophages from samples collected during routine dental procedures.
• Characterise bacteriophages using microbiological, molecular, and genomic techniques.
• Evaluate phage activity against clinically important oral pathogens associated with dental infections.
• Investigate phage–host interactions and bacterial susceptibility to phage therapy.
• Develop and optimise bacteriophage cocktails for targeted treatment of oral infections.
• Contribute to the development of a bacteriophage‑based mouthwash for precision oral healthcare.
• Perform laboratory experiments in microbiology, molecular biology, genomics, and bioinformatics.
• Analyse experimental data and maintain accurate laboratory records.
• Present research findings through scientific reports, publications, and conferences.
• Collaborate with researchers across partner institutions, including the University of Liverpool, the University of Limerick, and ICE Dental Hospital.
• Follow laboratory safety protocols and maintain high standards of research integrity and reproducibility.

Applicants should have:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Dentistry, Molecular Genetics, Genomics, Bioinformatics, or a related life sciences discipline.
• A strong interest in bacteriophage biology, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and oral microbiology.
• Basic laboratory experience in microbiology or molecular biology.
• Good written and verbal scientific communication skills.
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
• A willingness to undertake laboratory‑based research and develop new experimental skills.
• Candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas will be at an advantage:
• Bacteriophage isolation and characterisation.
• Bacterial culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
• Molecular biology techniques such as PCR, DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, and cloning.
• Microbiome analysis and microbial ecology.
• Genomics and bioinformatics tools.
• Sequencing technologies and genomic data analysis.
• Experience working with oral pathogens or clinical microbiology.
• Scientific writing and data presentation.
• Statistical analysis using software such as R or Graph Pad Prism.
• Experience with aseptic laboratory techniques and good laboratory practices (GLP).