Supervisors: Jodi Lindsay

Department: Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Camden campus

Project Detail 

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), remains a major global health threat, causing infections that range from mild skin infections to life-threatening sepsis. Its success lies in its ability to acquire antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes through horizontal gene transfer, often mediated by bacteriophages. These phages act as both genetic couriers and lethal predators, driving bacterial evolution while imposing strong selective pressure.

Our laboratory has recently discovered novel genetic barrier systems located on a newly described S. aureus Transfer Island (SauTI). These barriers restrict foreign DNA entry and influence AMR acquisition, yet their role in controlling bacteriophage infection remains unknown.

We hypothesise that SauTI-encoded barriers that regulate gene transfer also function as phage defence systems. By combining quantitative phage infection assays and our in vitro co-culture gene transfer assays, this project will determine how these barriers shape phage susceptibility and AMR dissemination.Understanding these hidden defence systems could reveal how MRSA populations evolve, inform phage therapy strategies, and unlock new approaches for genetically manipulating this clinically significant pathogen.

References:

1.Wildfire J. et al. 2025. Barriers to Antimicrobial Resistance Gene Exchange in Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Cluster into Transfer Islands. bioRxiv 2025.12.19.694131. doi: 10.64898/2025.12.19.694131

2. Lindsay JA. 2014. Staphylococcus aureus genomics and the impact of horizontal gene transfer. Int J Med Microbiol 304(2):103-109. doi:10.1016/j.ijmm.2013.11.010 

3. Lindsay JA. 2010. Genomic variation and evolution of Staphylococcus aureus. Int J Med Microbiol 300(2-3):98-103. doi:10.1016/j.ijmm.2009.08.013 

Requirements

Essential

• Must meet our standard MRes entry requirements

This can be taken full-time or part-time (12months FTE) project commencing in October 2026, based at RVC's Camden/Hawkshead campus. 

Funding

Partially funded: The MRes student will be expected to meet their course fees and living expenses. All other project costs will be met by the supervisor.  

How to apply

Deadline: 8th May 2026

For more information on the application process and English Language requirements see How to Apply.Interviews will take place remotely (Teams, Zoom etc) within 4 weeks of the closing date.We welcome informal enquiries - these should be directed to jlindsay@rvc.ac.uk