GW4 BioMed2 MRC DTP PhD project: Environmental and genetic determinants of parasite transmission

This project is one of a number that are in competition for funding from the GW4 BioMed2 MRC Doctoral Training Partnership which is offering up to 21 studentships for entry in September 2025.

The DTP 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 DTP’s website.

Supervisory Team:

Dr Vicky Hunt, University of Bath, Department of Life Sciences ([email protected])

Dr Hans Nuetzmann, University of Exeter, Department of Biological Sciences

Professor Edward Feil, University of Bath, Department of Life Sciences

The Project:

Strongyloides stercoralis is a gastrointestinal parasitic nematode that infects >600 million people globally and can cause a range of symptoms including intestinal, lung and skin complaints. In some cases e.g. where the patient is treated with immunosuppressants, a hyperinfection can occur which is usually fatal. The aim of this project is to identify and understand the factors that are important for Strongyloides transmission, with the view of identifying potential applications of this information to reduce transmission in regions where Strongyloides is endemic. This project will investigate the following questions: (i) under what conditions and for how long can parasites survive outside of the host? (ii) what environmental factors such as temperature and humidity are important for transmission? (iii) are parasites with specific genotypes better equipped to survive and transmit under adverse conditions? Better understanding transmission dynamics of these parasites could directly lead to improved strategies to prevent transmission and thus the associated disease they cause.

The project is interdisciplinary and encompasses fieldwork, lab-based work (molecular biology/ genetics and in vivo work) and bioinformatics. The student will receive training in all aspects of the projects. 

Laboratory work: this will involve using an established in vivo laboratory model of Strongyloides parasite infection. Parasites will be maintained under different environmental conditions including a range of temperatures, humidity and soil substrates. 

Fieldwork: The student will have opportunity to work with collaborators in Southeast Asia in regions where Strongyloides parasites are endemic. Parasites will be collected directly from stool samples from volunteers (volunteer networks have been established by our collaborators in these regions) and from the soil. Samples will be collected at different seasons and at different locations alongside information on environmental conditions. This work will enable us to identify if there are seasonal variations in transmission rates and improve our understanding of when people are most at risk of infection. 

Bioinformatics: laboratory-based experiments and fieldwork parasite samples will be collected directly from the host and from the external environment. We will sequence the genomes of these parasites to look for genomic features associated with parasitism, and carry out genome-wide associated studies (GWAS) to identify genomic and genetic features directly associated with successful transmission. Laboratory experiments, described above, will also identify which conditions are most favourable for transmission and we will use comparative genomics to identify if particular genetic backgrounds are more successful at infecting a host under adverse conditions.

Requirements:

Applicants must have obtained, or be expected to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an area appropriate to the skills requirements of the project. Applicants with a lower second class will only be considered if they also have 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 Vicky Hunt – [email protected]

Formal applications must be submitted direct to the GW4 BioMed2 DTP using their online application form: GW4 BioMed MRC DTP – GW4 BioMed MRC DTP

A list of all available projects and guidance on how to apply may be found on the DTP’s website. You may apply for up to 2 projects.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE AT 17:00 (GMT) ON 4 NOVEMBER 2025.

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.