Development and evaluation of triggered antibiotics

Overview

Antibiotics are widely used in agriculture to treat and prevent the spread of disease. We are re-engineering current antibiotics, carrying out chemical modifications to selectively activate antibiotics in diseased tissues. Our technology means active antibiotic will be concentrated in diseased tissue in sick animals, where it can effectively and safely treat the infection, while good bacteria in/on healthy and infected animals are not harmed and antibiotic resistance is less likely to develop. The amount of active antibiotic ending up on pastures and in waterways will be reduced, as will impacts on environmental bacteria.

In this MBIE funded research we will refine our technology, assess its use in common NZ farming infections and work with pharmaceutical companies to bring products to market. The work will be based in the University of Otago, and will involve collaborating with experts in medicinal chemistry, drug formulation, microbiology and animal health.

The project is suitable for a candidate with an Honours degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Microbiology or Chemistry. The  project will be tailored to meet the successful applicant's skills and interests and could include synthesis of prodrugs, microbiological evaluation and animal testing (PK and infection studies). The candidate should also be enthusiastic and passionate about research and keen to learn new skills.

The applicant must be eligible for admission to the PhD programme at the University of Otago and will need to gain a University of Otago doctoral scholarship. These scholarships are highly competitive and require an excellent GPA (straight A’s and a GPA of 8 or higher); completion of a relevant Honours or Master's degree with an appropriate research component; and research publications are an advantage.

How to apply

Please contact Professor Sarah Hook, Associate Professor Allan Gamble, or Associate Professor Daniel Pletzer to explain your interest in this project and how this relates to your previous experience.

Please include:

• a copy of your CV
• academic transcript
• names of three referees

Contact

Professor Sarah Hook
Email sarah.hook@otago.ac.nz

Associate Professor Allan Gamble
Email allan.gamble@otago.ac.nz

Associate Professor Daniel Pletzer
Email daniel.pletzer@otago.ac.nz

Useful information

• Graduate research at the University of Otago
• Scholarships at the University of Otago