{"id":7390,"date":"2026-02-23T12:14:35","date_gmt":"2026-02-23T12:14:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/medicine.st-andrews.ac.uk\/news\/?p=7390"},"modified":"2026-02-26T09:00:17","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T09:00:17","slug":"phd-opportunity-innovative-diagnostics-to-improve-patient-and-public-health-outcomes-in-infectious-diseases","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/medicine.st-andrews.ac.uk\/news\/phd-opportunity-innovative-diagnostics-to-improve-patient-and-public-health-outcomes-in-infectious-diseases\/","title":{"rendered":"PhD Opportunity – Innovative Diagnostics to Improve Patient and Public Health Outcomes in Infectious Diseases"},"content":{"rendered":"

Project Title: <\/strong><\/p>\n

Innovative Diagnostics to Improve Patient and Public Health Outcomes in Infectious Diseases<\/p>\n

Supervisor(s):<\/strong><\/p>\n

Primary Supervisor: Dr Paul Johnston (University of St Andrews, School of Medicine)<\/p>\n

Secondary Supervisors: Professor Deborah Williamson (University of St Andrews, School of Medicine) and Dr Sarah Mills (University of St Andrews, School of Medicine)<\/p>\n

Deadline:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Thursday 30 April 2026<\/p>\n

Project Description:<\/strong><\/p>\n

This PhD will explore the role of lateral flow devices (LFDs) in the diagnosis and surveillance of respiratory infections in primary care. Respiratory illness remains one of the most common reasons for consultation and antibiotic prescribing in community settings. While rapid tests are increasingly available, there is limited high-quality evidence on their real-world performance, their influence on clinical decision-making, and their potential contribution to broader public health intelligence. By integrating clinical microbiology, epidemiology, and genomics, the PhD will generate new insights into how point-of-care diagnostics can move beyond individual patient management to inform population-level health responses. The project would suit candidates with backgrounds in microbiology, epidemiology, genomics, data science, or public health who are interested in translational research at the interface of diagnostics, surveillance, and health systems.<\/p>\n

Funding Details:<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is a three year funded studentship by The Cunningham Trust and comprises of an annual stipend at The Cunningham Trust rate and full fees.<\/p>\n

How to Apply: <\/strong><\/p>\n

Full applications should be made via the\u00a0University\u2019s online portal.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Applications should include:<\/p>\n