Metagenomic Workflows for Diagnostic Applications in Gastrointestinal Infections (MATHERA_Q26NIHR)
- Level
- Postgraduate
- Duration
- Programme type
- Mode
- Full-time
- Location
- United Kingdom
- Next intake
- OCT 2026
Overview
The UKHSA genomic strategy prioritizes "democratization" of sequencing—moving diagnostics closer to the point-of-care. Metagenomics offers a "catch-all" tool to identify pathogens and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) without slow bacterial culture. This PhD aims to bridge the gap between research-grade metagenomics and surveillance utility for gastrointestinal (GI) infections. Current PCR methods are limited by detecting only pre-specified targets. Leveraging shotgun metagenomics and advanced bioinformatics, this project will establish the evidence base for: direct-from-sample diagnostics by - 1) Benchmarking Pathogen Detection: Investigate analytical sensitivity and "diagnostic cut-offs" to distinguish active infection from healthy asymptomatic carriage. 2) AMR Profiling: Map the baseline carriage of resistance genes in healthy vs. diseased populations, using metagenome-assembled genomes to link AMR determinants to specific microbes.
Entry requirements
| Degree | 2:1 |
|---|
English language requirements
| IELTS | 6.5 overall, no part below 6 |
|---|
IELTS 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in each component) or equivalent - check course page for specific requirements
Fees
UK students: £5,181 per year
UK/Home: £5,181 per year
Start dates
1 October 2026
Application deadline
Rolling admissions - apply early
Campus
- Norwich Research Park, Norwich, United Kingdom