PhD in Bacteriophage-Based Biosensors and 3D-Printed Silk Technology

The Phage; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Sheffield invites applications for a PhD studentship entitled “Biologically Engineered 3D-Printed Silk Biosensor Platforms for Rapid Antimicrobial Resistant Pathogen Detection.” This EPSRC DLA project aims to develop visually detectable biosensor platforms for rapid bacterial detection without expensive equipment.

The project will explore 3D-printed silk coatings and bacteriophage-derived proteins to capture and visually identify pathogens, inspired by rapid diagnostic tests

Qualifications

• Graduates in microbiology, molecular biology, biotechnology, biomedical sciences, biological engineering, materials science, or related fields.
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Responsibilities

• Develop and refine the biosensor platform.
• Engineer 3D-printed silk surfaces for bacterial detection.
• Improve methods for visualising captured pathogens through colour-based detection.
• Develop and test a prototype biosensor platform.
• Explore applications in clinical diagnostics, food production, and clean-water testing.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team spanning medical, engineering, and scientific research.

Skills

Microbiology

Molecular biology

Biotechnology

Biomedical engineering

Materials science

Interdisciplinary research

Bacteriophages

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Tools

3D printing

Silk biomaterials

Protein engineering

Job description

An exciting PhD opportunity at the University of Sheffield, United Kingdom, for researchers interested in combining biology, engineering, and infection diagnostics. The project, titled “Biologically Engineered 3D-Printed Silk Biosensor Platforms for Rapid Antimicrobial Resistant Pathogen Detection,” aims to develop innovative biosensor platforms that can detect bacterial pathogens quickly and visually, potentially without expensive detection equipment.

The studentship is offered through the university’s EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award (DLA) program.

About the PhD Project

Rapid detection of infectious bacteria is essential for effective treatment, infection control, and public health. It is also important for monitoring food safety and water quality.

This interdisciplinary project will explore the use of 3D-printed silk coatings combined with bacteriophage-derived pathogen-binding proteins to develop a new approach to bacterial detection.

The researchers aim to engineer surfaces that capture specific bacterial pathogens. Detection proteins will then help identify the captured bacteria through a visible colour change, making the platform easier to use without relying on expensive instruments.

The concept takes inspiration from the simplicity of rapid diagnostic tests, with the long-term goal of developing practical detection systems for different real-world settings.

Key Responsibilities

The selected PhD researcher will contribute to developing and refining the biosensor platform.

The project will focus on:

• Developing pathogen-capture systems using proteins derived from bacteriophages.
• Engineering 3D-printed silk surfaces for bacterial detection.
• Improving methods for visualising captured pathogens through colour-based detection.
• Developing and testing a prototype biosensor platform.
• Exploring potential applications in clinical diagnostics, food production, and clean-water testing.
• Working with an interdisciplinary team spanning medical, engineering, and scientific research.

Qualifications & Skills Required

Graduates in microbiology, molecular biology, biotechnology, biomedical sciences, biological engineering, materials science, or related fields who want to work at the intersection of pathogen detection and biosensor development.

Applicants with an interest in bacteriophages, bacterial pathogens, diagnostic technologies, antimicrobial resistance, or interdisciplinary biological research may find this project particularly relevant.

PhD Supervisors

The project will be supervised by:

• Prof. Graham Stafford
• Dr. David A. Gregory
• Dr. Stephane Mesnage