🎓NERC GW4+ DTP PhD Studentship, University of Exeter
Start: September 2026
Location: UKCEH
🔬 Research Focus
- Investigate whether standard water-quality indicators (e.g. E. coli, intestinal enterococci) reliably reflect antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bathing waters.
- Compare conventional indicator organisms with metagenomic AMR markers using molecular microbiology and bioinformatics.
- Assess the public-health risks of recreational water exposure in the context of AMR.
🏛️ Partners & Impact
- Supervised by UKCEH (UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology) and University of Exeter experts in molecular ecology and public health.
- CASE partner: Wessex Water – 3-month placement in the water industry.
- Regulatory relevance: Collaboration with the Environment Agency for data, policy input and guidance.
Lead Supervisor: Dr Holly Tipper, UKCEH, Molecular Ecology
Additional Supervisors: Dr Anne Leonard, Medical School’s European Centre for Environment and Human Health , University of Exeter; Dr Daniel Read, UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Environmental Pressures and Responses
💰 Funding Package (3.5 years)
- Stipend: ~£20,780 p.a. (2026/27 rate)
- Full tuition fees covered
- Research & training budget: £9,000
- Conference allowance: £2,000
- Personal training budget: £1,000
🎯 Who should apply?
- Interested in environmental AMR, microbial ecology, and public health
- Skilled or curious about metagenomics, bioinformatics, and data analytics
- Motivated to bridge science and industry/regulation
- Ready to design sampling strategies, lead lab work, and interpret complex environmental datasets
⭐ Why This PhD?
- Directly addresses a major gap in how we monitor AMR risk in recreational waters
- Combines academic research with real-world impact via industry and regulatory placements
- Provides advanced training in molecular microbiology, metagenomics, and risk assessment
- Embedded in the GW4+ Doctoral Training Partnership, offering a supportive, interdisciplinary network
For more information and to apply, please visit: NERC GW4+ DTP PhD studentship | University of Exeter
The closing date for applications is Midnight Thursday 8th of January 2026.