Apply at: study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/modelling-impacts-doxy-pep-amr-novel-neisseria-mouse-model
Project Description
Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (Doxy-PEP) is an emerging strategy for reducing bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men. While clinical trials have demonstrated that Doxy-PEP can reduce STI acquisition, there are ongoing concerns about the potential for doxycycline exposure to contribute to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
This PhD project will investigate the impact of Doxy-PEP on bacterial infection and antimicrobial resistance using a newly established laboratory model of genital Neisseria infection. The project will examine how doxycycline exposure affects bacterial survival, the development and selection of antimicrobial resistance, and the broader bacterial community within the reproductive tract.
A combination of microbiological, molecular and genomic approaches will be used to characterise bacterial burden and resistance before and after doxycycline exposure. The project will also investigate the relationship between doxycycline concentrations in the body and reproductive tract and the emergence of resistance.
The research will provide important evidence about the potential benefits and unintended consequences of Doxy-PEP and will help inform the future optimisation of Doxy-PEP guidelines and antimicrobial stewardship strategies.
Research Environment
This project will be based in the Molecular Diagnostics and Characterisation Group (MDCG) at the UQ Frazer Institute, within the Herston Precinct in Brisbane.
The Frazer Institute is a leading medical research institute focused on cancer, immunology and infection, with close links between scientists and clinicians. Its site at Herston provides state of the art shared facilities the project will use, including PC2 cell culture and microbiology laboratories, genomics and imaging, and on-site animal house.
The MDCG laboratory is an internationally recognised group in sexually transmitted infection research and molecular diagnostics, with established expertise in generating in vitro and in vivo models.
Preferred Educational Background
Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.
We take into account your:
- previous academic record
- publication record
- honours and awards
- employment history.
A working knowledge of cell culture, molecular microbiology, classical bacteriology, and animal handling cell culture, molecular microbiology, classical bacteriology, and animal handling would be of benefit to someone working on this project.
You will demonstrate academic achievement in the fields of biomedical sciences and/or microbiology and the potential for scholastic success.
A background or knowledge of microbiology is highly desirable.
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Doctoral Student in Brisbane employer: The University of Queensland
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Contact Details:
The University of Queensland Recruitment Team
