GW4 BioMed3 MRC DLP PhD project: Ion-channel communication: digital diagnostics for antimicrobial resistance

About the project

About the Project This project is one of several in competition for funding from the GW4 BioMed3 MRC Doctoral Landscape Programme (DLP), which is offering up to 17 studentships for entry in September 2026. The partnership brings together the Universities of Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter to develop the next generation of biomedical researchers. Students will have access to the combined research strengths, training expertise and resources of the four research-intensive universities. More information may be found on the DLP’s website . Please note that the application process may close early to either home or international candidates (or both) before the stated deadline if an unprecedented number of applications are received – check the DLP’s website for details and updates. Supervisory Team: Dr Nuno Reis, University of Bath; Professor David Petrik, Cardiff University; Dr Paulo Rocha, University of Coimbra; Dr Alexandre Paschoal, The Rosalind Franklin Institute The Project : Bacterial infections affect millions of people worldwide. Established methodologies for bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) are time consuming or unable to inform about antibiotic resistance. Critically, most people lack access to sophisticated and near-the-patient microbiological laboratories, with antibiotic treatment mostly done empirically, driving antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In certain medical scenarios, for example blood infections, morbidity correlates with the inability to provide early diagnosis. Consequently, there is an urgent need to explore modern approaches to rapid AST. This project will test the hypothesis that ion-channel cell communication can act as a cellular platform for studying and identifying antibiotic susceptibility in bacterial populations. Ion channels are transmembrane proteins that allow transport of ions in and out of the cell, with recent literature suggesting a key role in response of bacteria populations to external stressors. Rocha, Reis et al.[1] have proposed a model for chemical communication between individual cells, centred around a ‘handover distance’ and molecular diffusion. Other studies suggested the existence of chemical communication between bacteria cells through ion channels. This electrical communication is very distinct and complementary to quorum sensing. Bacteria cope with changing external environments and must therefore sense and respond to local conditions. Bruni et al.[2] demonstrated bacteria can sense local mechanical environment through voltage-induced calcium flux. Yeranddy et al.[3] suggested ion channels play a key role as 'first responders' to bacterial infection. In a recent unpublished work, Reis, Rocha and co-workers showed miniaturised detection of growth of bacteria using electrical impedance spectroscopy with large gold electrodes. We believe miniaturisation and machine learning processing of electrical signalling would enable digital, ion-channel cell communication to inform about antibiotic susceptibility of bacteria inoculum, paving a modern approach to rapid AST. To advance that vision, this project will: 1) Observe electrical ion channel communication in populations of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria benchmarked against optical time lapse imaging of single cells. 2) Generate electrical impedance signatures and optical profiles of bacteria to antibiotics to a range of pathogen bacteria. 3) Apply machine learning approaches to identify bacteria and speed up AST. 4) Embed the technique in microfluidic formats compatible with clinical microbiology and point-of-care testing. The successful candidate will be exposed to a wide range of state-of-the-art techniques, from electrophysiology, microfluidics, bioelectronics, machine learning and cell biology/microbiology. By being multidisciplinary in nature, this project provides opportunities to suit own interest, for example by focusing more on fundamental aspect of cell biology and understanding the role of ion channels in communication in bacteria populations; the bioelectronics required for capturing electrical signalling in bacteria populations in the presence and absence of antibiotics; or the micro- and nano-fabrication of microfluidic devices for AST and AMR. There is no expectation the candidate will master all those techniques and substantial support will be in place on a daily basis as part of wider teams of researchers exploring complementary challenges. Visits to Rosalind Franklin Institute at Oxford (Paschoal) or a world class bioelectronics lab led by Rocha (Coimbra) are also possible, which could include the 3-month Broadening Horizons placement during year 3 of the project. The supervisors have a track record of excellence in research supervision to students from a wide range of backgrounds, from biology, microbiology, chemical engineering, bioelectronics, and bioinformatics, so we welcome applicants from a range of disciplines. Microbiology work with bacterial inoculum will be central to this project, so previous experience in microbiological techniques would be advantageous. Requirements: Applicants must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a first or upper second-class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of medical sciences, computing, mathematics or the physical sciences. Applicants with a lower second-class degree will only be considered if they have a grade of Merit or above in a master’s degree. Academic qualifications are considered alongside significant relevant non-academic experience. Non-UK applicants will also be required to have met the English language entry requirements of the University of Bath. Enquiries and Applications: Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Dr Nuno M. Reis on email address n.m.reis@bath.ac.uk Formal applications must be submitted direct to the GW4 BioMed3 DLP using their online application form . A list of all the projects and details on how to apply are available DLP’s website . You may apply for up to 2 projects and submit one application per candidate only. APPLICATIONS CLOSE AT 17:00 (GMT) ON 21 OCTOBER 2026. IMPORTANT: You do NOT need to apply to the University of Bath at this stage – only those applicants who are successful in obtaining an offer of funding from the DTP will be required to submit an application for an offer of study from Bath. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: We value a diverse research environment and aim to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated and respected. We welcome and encourage applications from under-represented groups. If you have circumstances that you feel we should be aware of that have affected your educational attainment, then please feel free to tell us about it in your application form. The best way to do this is a short paragraph at the end of your personal statement.

Research areas