Scholarship for the PhD in Medical Sciences in the field of One Health for the PhD Research Project ‘PHD-2024-P2: Application of Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics in Understanding Microbial Interactions with Food Components to Limit Foodborne Outbreaks’

The PhD in Medical Sciences:

The University of Nicosia Medical School offers a PhD in Medical Sciences.  The degree is awarded to students who complete an independent research programme that breaks new ground in the chosen field of study. The PhD programme aspires to empower students to become independent researchers, thus advancing innovation and development.

The Research Project:

We are currently inviting applications through a competitive process for high-calibre candidates to apply for one PhD Scholarship in the field of One Health. The successful candidate will enrol in the PhD programme in Medical Sciences and will work under the Supervision of Dr Manos Vlasiou ([email protected]), with expertise in the fields of Veterinary Biochemistry, Food Safety, and Toxicology at the University of Nicosia Medical School.

Project Description:

Title of research project: Application of Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics in Understanding Microbial Interactions with Food Components to Limit Foodborne Outbreaks

Background and Rationale:

Foodborne outbreaks continue to be a significant global public health challenge, resulting in substantial morbidity, mortality, and economic losses. The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens in the food chain further increases the threat, limiting treatment options and complicating outbreak management. Traditional food safety measures, while essential, are often reactive, relying on post-contamination detection rather than proactive prevention at a molecular level. A critical gap exists in understanding how food components interact with microbial systems. This knowledge could inform novel strategies to limit pathogen survival, virulence and transition.

Recent advances in computational biology, particularly molecular docking and molecular dynamics, offer powerful tools to explore these interactions with high precision and cost-effectiveness. These in silico methods can predict binding affinities, elucidate conformational changes, and simulate dynamic environments that mimic the properties of food matrices. Applying such approaches to foodborne pathogens provides an unprecedented opportunity to identify natural inhibitors, assess the impact of dietary bioactives, and design food safety interventions tailored to microbial behaviour.

This project aims to harness molecular docking and molecular dynamics to investigate microbial interactions with food components, thereby generating translational insights to support safer food production, reduce reliance on antimicrobials and ultimately mitigate foodborne outbreaks within a One Health framework.

Aims and Objectives:

The project aims to apply advanced computational approaches to elucidate the interactions between foodborne pathogens and bioactive food components, with the ultimate goal of informing strategies to prevent and mitigate foodborne outbreaks.

Specific objectives:

  1. Characterise microbial targets relevant to food safety: identify and model key proteins associated with pathogenicity, adhesion, and toxin production in priority foodborne pathogens, such as coli, Salmonella, and Listeria.
  2. Screen food-derived bioactive compounds: Utilise molecular docking to evaluate the binding affinities and potential inhibitory effects of naturally occurring compounds (e.g., polyphenols, flavonoids, peptides) against selected microbial targets.
  3. Perform molecular dynamics simulations: To validate docking results by simulating protein-ligand complexes under physiologically relevant conditions to evaluate stability, conformational flexibility and interaction dynamics.
  4. Establish structure-activity relationships (SAR): Analyse computational results to determine structural features of food compounds that contribute to antimicrobial or anti-virulence activity.
  5. Develop translational insights for food safety by integrating findings into practical recommendations for food processing, preservation, and dietary strategies that reduce pathogen survival and mitigate outbreak risk.

Through these objectives, the project seeks to bridge computational predictions with real-world food safety applications, advancing and preventing approaches to foodborne disease control.

The Scholarship:

The PhD project comes with a Fee Waiver Scholarship that includes:

  • Coverage of tuition fees for the PhD programme for a duration of three years (totalling €15,120). The successful candidate is expected to cover the tuition fees for each additional academic year (€1,700 per year).

The scholarship is subject to annual renewal based on the recipient’s satisfactory academic progress, with maximum renewal period of three years.

Requirements and Qualifications:

  • Eligible Candidates should hold (or hold by the time that the programme is expected to commence) a recognised degree (BSc or a degree equivalent for entry to a Master’s Degree) and a Master’s degree (MSc) in the field(s) of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine, or a Doctor of Medicine degree (MD degree).
  • Strong computer literacy, familiarity with computer-aided drug discovery techniques, and knowledge of bioinformatics and antimicrobial methods will be considered an advantage.

Application for the PhD Scholarship:

Candidates should submit an online application through the ‘Apply Today’ form and upload the following supporting documents:

  • A cover letter clearly stating that they apply for the PhD Scholarship in the field of One Health for the PhD Research Project ‘PHD-2024-P2: Application of Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics in Understanding Microbial Interactions with Food Components to Limit Foodborne Outbreaks’
  • Copies of the applicant’s qualifications/degree(s) – the application can be assessed with scanned copies, but certified true copies must be provided if the candidate is successful and prior to enrolment on the PhD programme.
  • Copies of the applicant’s transcript(s) – the application can be assessed with scanned copies, but certified true copies must be provided if the candidate is successful and prior to enrolment on the PhD programme.
  • Proof of English language proficiency such as IELTS with a score of 7 overall and with a minimum score of 7 in writing or TOEFL iBT with a score of 94 overall and a minimum score of 27 in Writing. Other internationally recognized English language qualifications might be considered upon review. Students from the UK, Ireland USA, Canada (from English speaking provinces), Australia and New Zealand are exempt from the English language requirement.
  • Two reference letters, of which at least one should be from an academic.
  • A full Curriculum Vitae (CV).
  • Once you complete your online application please send an email to [email protected] expressing officially your interest in the PhD Research Project ‘PHD-2024-P2: Application of Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics in Understanding Microbial Interactions with Food Components to Limit Foodborne Outbreaks’ and also attaching all the required documents.

Applications should be submitted by Friday, 10th October, 2025 at 5pm.  Only fully completed applications, containing all necessary supporting documents will be reviewed.

Only candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted and invited to an interview.