Sex-specific phage therapy for conflict wound healing

About the project

This PhD will develop engineered bacteriophage therapies for complex musculoskeletal conflict wounds, addressing antimicrobial resistance alongside impaired vascular regeneration on the battlefield. Developing advanced MSK injury models, the project will test whether dual-function phages can reduce bacterial burden while promoting tissue repair, with consideration of sex-specific responses to injury and treatment success.

Complex musculoskeletal (MSK) trauma is a major challenge in modern conflict, where blast and ballistic injuries can cause open fractures, extensive tissue damage, vascular disruption and contaminated wounds. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) further complicates treatment, creating a critical need for antibiotic-independent approaches that can control infection while supporting tissue repair.

This PhD will investigate sex-specific phage therapies for conflict wound healing, developing engineered bacteriophages designed to reduce bacterial burden while promoting vascularised MSK tissue regeneration. The research will address whether antimicrobial treatment and tissue repair can be targeted simultaneously on the battlefield, and whether responses vary according to biological sex.

You will develop and apply advanced MSK trauma models to investigate, in real time, the interactions between bacterial infection, vascularisation and tissue repair. Methods will include:

The project has strong defence relevance and links to UK priorities in conflict wounds, AMR, military medicine and female health. You will join an interdisciplinary research team spanning MSK regeneration, phage engineering, microbiology and vascular biology, with engagement with MOD and Dstl expertise, including military female health.

Training opportunities will include advanced biological models, imaging, quantitative analysis and translational research, preparing you for a range of interdisciplinary careers across academia, defence and industry.

• developing in vitro 3D cell and tissue human models of MSK trauma
• phage engineering and characterisation
• microbiological assays
• advanced imaging
• quantitative analysis of vascularisation
• a range of molecular approaches to understand mechanisms of infection and tissue regeneration.

Lead supervisor

• Lead supervisor: CC Professor Claire Clarkin Professor

Professor Claire Clarkin

• Professor Claire Clarkin: Professor

Dr Franklin Nobrega BSc, MSc, PhD

• Bacterial anti-phage defence and phage counter-defenceMolecular and structural mechanisms of bacterial immunitySynergy between bacterial defence systemsPhage therapy and antimicrobial resistancePhage discovery, biobanking, and citizen science

Dr Janos Kanczler PhD

• Dr Janos Kanczler PhD: Associate Professor

Entry requirements

You must have an undergraduate degree (at least UK 2:1 honours degree) or its international equivalent in one of the following:

Previous laboratory experience, particularly in microbiology, cell culture, molecular biology, imaging or tissue-based research, would be useful but is not essential, as appropriate training will be provided.

• biological sciences
• biomedical sciences
• microbiology
• tissue engineering
• regenerative medicine
• or a related discipline

Fees and funding

For candidates looking to complete a PhD or EngD full-time we offer an enhanced tax-free stipend of up to £30k per year, along with a substantial budget for research, travel, and centre activities.

CISDnS is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusivity. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break or are transitioning into a new role. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance.

How to apply

Apply now

Please apply via the online portal and select:

Applications should include:

• Academic year: 2027/28
• If you will be full time or part time
• Faculty: Engineering and Physical Sciences
• Search for "complex integrated systems"
• Select either PhD or EngD – if you are unsure, select PhD
• Add the name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application.
• your CV (resumé)
• 2 academic references
• degree transcripts and certificates to date

Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences

For questions about applying, email our Doctoral College (doctoralcollege-admissions@soton.ac.uk) .

Project leader

For an initial conversation, email Professor Claire Clarkin (C.E.Clarkin@soton.ac.uk) .

Research areas