Development of novel multiplexed diagnostics for sexually transmitted infections.

Dr Nicole Robb & Pictura Bio

Early and rapid diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) increases the chance of limiting the effects of these disease, by preventing onward transmission and allowing the appropriate therapy to be administered. Left untreated, STIs can lead to devastating and long-term complications. This project aims to develop a multi-pathogen STI diagnostic test that will provide rapid, accurate results and will be able to diagnose in a single test which pathogen is present. To do this we will build on the previous expertise of the Robb lab and industrial partner Pictura Bio in commercialising a respiratory virus diagnostic platform. Work will involve expanding the current technology to other pathogens and sample types. The rapid return of a result provided by this type of technology offers an excellent opportunity for STI diagnoses, potentially enabling diagnosis during a consultation, allowing antibiotics to be appropriately prescribed and treatment of viruses to be targeted and specific.

This project would be suitable for someone with a biology, biomedical science, chemistry or physics first degree.