Application Guide

How to Apply for PhD Studentship: Engineering Real-World Surfaces to Control the Acquisition of Antimicrobial Resistance

at University College London (UCL)

🏢 About University College London (UCL)

University College London (UCL) is a world-leading multidisciplinary university consistently ranked among the top 10 globally, with the London Centre for Nanotechnology being a unique joint venture between UCL and Imperial College London. UCL's strength lies in its interdisciplinary approach and commitment to addressing real-world challenges, particularly in the healthcare and technology sectors where this PhD studentship sits at the intersection of biophysics, microbiology, and materials science.

About This Role

This PhD studentship focuses on investigating how engineered surface topographies influence horizontal gene transfer (HGT) dynamics in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), moving beyond traditional lab cultures to study structured biofilms in real-world environments. The role involves using soft lithography, microfabrication, mating assays with Enterobacteriaceae strains, live-cell imaging, and quantitative image analysis to develop design principles for materials that suppress resistance gene transfer.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve designing and fabricating surface topographies using soft lithography techniques in the cleanroom facilities, followed by preparing bacterial cultures and setting up mating assays with resistant and sensitive Enterobacteriaceae strains. Later, you might analyze live-cell imaging data using quantitative image analysis software to assess spatial dynamics of plasmid transfer, while regularly meeting with both supervisors to discuss interdisciplinary approaches to the research questions.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who University College London (UCL) Is Looking For

  • Has a strong background in biophysics, microbiology, or materials science with hands-on laboratory experience relevant to the project's methods
  • Demonstrates interdisciplinary thinking and ability to bridge concepts between physical sciences and biological systems
  • Possesses experience or strong interest in antimicrobial resistance research, biofilm studies, or surface engineering
  • Shows proficiency in quantitative analysis and imaging techniques, with potential experience in fluorescent plasmid tracking or similar methods

📝 Tips for Applying to University College London (UCL)

1

Explicitly connect your previous research experience to the specific methods mentioned: soft lithography, microfabrication, mating assays, or live-cell imaging

2

Demonstrate your understanding of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) in antimicrobial resistance beyond basic textbook knowledge

3

Research and reference the specific supervisors' (Prof. Giorgio Volpe and Prof. Lena Ciric) recent publications in your application materials

4

Highlight any interdisciplinary projects or coursework that bridges biophysics, microbiology, and materials science

5

Address how your research interests align with moving from 'well-mixed lab cultures' to 'structured biofilms found in real-world environments' as emphasized in the abstract

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific interest in the intersection of surface engineering and antimicrobial resistance control', 'How your background prepares you for the interdisciplinary nature of this project combining biophysics, microbiology, and materials science', 'Your understanding of horizontal gene transfer dynamics and why studying it in biofilm environments matters', 'Why you want to work specifically with Prof. Volpe and Prof. Ciric at the London Centre for Nanotechnology']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Recent publications from Prof. Giorgio Volpe and Prof. Lena Ciric to understand their research directions and methodologies
  • → The London Centre for Nanotechnology's specific facilities and interdisciplinary research culture
  • → UCL's broader AMR research initiatives and how this studentship fits within them
  • → Current literature on surface topography effects on bacterial behavior and gene transfer

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Your experience with specific techniques mentioned: soft lithography, microfabrication, or fluorescent plasmid tracking
2 How you would design an experiment to test surface topography effects on HGT in Enterobacteriaceae
3 Your understanding of current challenges in antimicrobial resistance research related to horizontal gene transfer
4 How you approach interdisciplinary research problems that span multiple scientific domains
5 Your thoughts on translating laboratory findings to real-world applications for controlling AMR
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic PhD application without tailoring it to this specific interdisciplinary project
  • Failing to demonstrate understanding of the shift from well-mixed cultures to biofilm environments emphasized in the abstract
  • Not showing awareness of the specific supervisors' research or the London Centre for Nanotechnology's unique position

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

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Good luck with your application to University College London (UCL)!

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