Genetic and molecular dissection of the effect of viruses on bacterial fitness and antibiotic resistance evolution

The rapid spread of antibiotic resistance between bacteria is one of the greatest threats to human health and, if left unchecked, deaths per year are projected to rise substantially. The primary mechanisms for the rapid spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and virulence genes are known collectively as Horizontal Gene Transfer (HGT). While AMR is commonly driven by HGT in natural environments, the specific role of viruses and domesticated viruses is poorly understood. This project will unravel the molecular and genetic details of various HGT mechanisms, with a particular focus on viral vectors - which are important drivers of genome plasticity and phenotypic conversion in the natural environment. We will also explore the role HGT in bacterial evolution, adaptation, fitness and the mobilization of antibiotic resistance genes under controlled environmentally realistic conditions.

This project will be multidisciplinary, combining experimental evolution, microbial genetics, biochemistry and molecular biology. In particular, we will identify the genes and pathways that provide a competitive advantage for model bacterial species and dissect the benefits they provide to their host (e.g. antibiotic resistance). You will use techniques including mutagenesis, cloning, fluorescence imaging, flow cytometry, next generation sequencing, competition assays and bioinformatics. The Department of Biology at York offers opportunities for advanced training in use of cutting-edge technologies and data analysis in R. You will also be offered varied graduate skills training together with valuable academic experience such as attendance at conferences and seminar series plus opportunities to participate in outreach activities.