Enhancing the management of antimicrobial resistance in the Pacific Islands

About the project 

Help address the impact of antimicrobial resistance 
 
If you are dedicated to building a career in biomedicine and passionate about addressing important global issues around antimicrobial resistance, the University of South Australia – Australia’s University of Enterprise – is offering a hands-on project-based PhD within UniSA STEM, in partnership with the CSIRO – Geelong, Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Fiji’s National Antimicrobial Resistance Committee, and the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa. 

Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Fiji and Samoa, are particularly vulnerable to the antibiotic resistance crisis. This vulnerability is driven by factors such as limited surveillance and diagnostic capabilities, along with inadequate infrastructure for managing human and animal waste.  

These issues result in increased environmental dissemination of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and residual antibiotics. Through the Enhancing the Management of Antimicrobial Resistance (EMAR) project, we have developed a comprehensive “One Health” approach to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance, specifically designed for the Fijian and Samoan Islands.  

This genomic surveillance program uses whole-genome sequencing (WGS), metagenomics, and qPCR to study the spread and evolution of AMR. It enables us to track clonal expansion and transmission of both existing and emerging pathogens in humans and animals, and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) that drive the spread of AMR.
 
We will collect faecal, soil, water, and food samples from key sites in Fiji and Samoa, which are two of the islands in Oceania most affected by AMR. These sites will include urban and rural hospitals, wastewater treatment plants, abattoirs, farms, markets, recreational areas, open dumps, and rivers. 

By analysing these samples through metagenomics and qPCR, we will detect existing and emerging pathogens, AMR genes, and MGEs, allowing us to identify environmental hotspots of AMR transmission and hospital outbreaks. 

Our project aims to enhance AMR management via the comprehensive multisectoral One Health approach.  

You will be based within UniSA Stem and benefit from access to outstanding expertise and worldclass facilities and equipment. You will join a bright and collaborative cohort of researchers who are driven to translate research into solutions to global issues.  

You will also have the opportunity to interact closely with our collaborative partners, including the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and environmental and health regulators. You will be at the forefront of solving one of the most pressing global health challenges of our time. 
 
What you’ll do 

In this project-based research degree, you will help establish a robust AMR surveillance system and leverage advanced genomic techniques to provide a clearer and more accurate picture of AMR prevalence and trends in LMICs. This will include monitoring AMR in human, animal, and environmental contexts. 
The internationalisation offered by this project gives you an enviable advantage in the job market. Upon completion, you will have an impressive and competitive suite of skills, knowledge and experience.  
 
Where you’ll be based 

You will be based in UniSA STEM. We link engineering, mathematics, science, defence, cybersecurity, construction management, environmental science, aviation, information management, information technology, and project management, harnessing the connections across disciplines to bring big ideas to fruition.  

Our researchers deliver technical expertise and advice to industry, government and community groups to make commercially viable and sustainable impacts. The Future Industries Institute, Innovation and Collaboration Centre and Australian Research Centre for Interactive and Virtual Environments all provide consultancy and access to advanced technology.  

We integrate research into our teaching, with students working alongside researchers in first-class facilities. What’s discovered one day is taught the next.   

In an information-rich world, our people think big, combatting problems, testing solutions and making data-driven decisions. Our graduates are entrepreneurs and trailblazers, who design and build the world they want to live in. Financial Support  

This project is funded for reasonable research expenses. Additionally, a living allowance scholarship of $35,200 (2025 rate) per annum is available to eligible applicants. Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants will be eligible to receive an increased stipend rate of $52,352 per annum (2025 rate). A fee-offset or waiver for the standard term of the program is also included. For full terms and benefits of the scholarship please refer to our scholarship information for domestic students or international students.

Eligibility and Selection 

This project is open to application from both Domestic and International applicants.

Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for entrance into a PhD. 

Additionally applicants must meet the project selection criteria:

• Hold a master's, honours or equivalent degree in a relevant field such as biotechnology or science majoring in molecular biology, microbiology, environmental microbiology, or a closely related field
• Demonstrate skills and experience in one or more of the following areas: Molecular biology, Microbiology, Microbial ecology or Epidemiology 
• Exhibit excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate scientific concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Demonstrate experience in project management, including planning, execution, and reporting of research projects
• Display strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Experience in statistical analysis and data interpretation

All applications that meet the eligibility and selection criteria will be considered for this project. A merit selection process will be used to determine the successful candidate.

The successful applicant is expected to study full-time and to be based at our Mawson Lakes Campus in the north of Adelaide. Note that international students on a student visa will need to study full-time.

Essential Dates 

Applicants are expected to start in a timely fashion upon receipt of an offer. Extended deferral periods are not available. Applications close on Thursday 28 November 2024.