Open Science
We pre-register studies where appropriate, share data and code publicly, and aim to publish open access. We believe science is stronger when it's reproducible and transparent.
Work with us
Build your career in respiratory science
We are a friendly, curious, collaborative group working on understanding the respiratory microbiome and translating this for patient benefit. Whether you're considering a PhD, postdoc, or a visiting placement, you'll be part of science that connects the bench to the bedside.
We take mentorship seriously. Your development — academic, professional, and personal — matters to us as much as the research.
See open positions →Group at a glance
40+peer-reviewed publications
10k+citations
100%of PhDs completed on time
How we work
Our Values
Mentorship First
Regular one-to-ones, focus on personal and career development, and active support for fellowship and grant applications.
Wellbeing Matters
We take mental health and wellbeing seriously. We have a supportive lab culture, realistic expectations and support your working needs.
Diversity & Inclusion
We actively welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, nationalities, and career histories. Diverse perspectives enrich our research.
Translational Impact
Our science is grounded in biology and reaches for real improvements for people with lung diseases and infections. Our team is multidisciplinary and you will learn from our different perspectives.
International Network
Active collaborations with groups in Europe, North America, and beyond. We support conference attendance and visiting fellowships to help you build your own professional network.
■ Open positions
Current Opportunities
We advertise positions formally through University of Birmingham Jobs and jobs.ac.uk.
We advertise PhD Studentships through FindAPhD.com.
For informal enquiries about any position — or to discuss a potential fellowship application — please email before applying formally.
Last updated: [March 2026]
PhD Studentship
Self-funded students welcome
We welcome applications for a self-funded PhD "Ecology and infection in the respiratory microbiome. Funding support information can be found here→. Previous visitors have come from Europe, North America, and Australia.
Duration: 3–4 years
Flexible start dates
Apply / Enquire →
Visiting Researcher
Short-term placements welcome
We welcome visiting researchers for 3–12 month placements. Bring your own fellowship funding, or get in touch to discuss options. Previous visitors have come from Europe, North America, and Australia.
Duration: 3–12 months
Flexible start dates
Get in touch →
Undergraduate / MSc Project
Final-year and Masters projects (UoB students)
University of Birmingham students: we offer supervised projects in microbiology, bioinformatics, and microbiome research annually. Projects are available in both wet lab and dry lab or combinations of both.
UoB students only
Annual intake
Enquire →
What to expect
Application Process
01
Informal Enquiry
Email us with your CV and a short paragraph on why you're interested. We respond to all enquiries.
02
Informal Call
A 30-minute video call to discuss the project, your background, and any questions you have about life in the group.
03
Formal Application
Submit through the University of Birmingham portal or funding body as required.
04
Interview
A formal interview, usually including a short presentation. We aim to give feedback to all candidates.
05
Offer & Start
We support you through onboarding, including introductions to collaborators and lab induction.
Get in touch
Interested? Talk to us first.
We strongly encourage informal enquiries before any formal application. This gives you a chance to see if the project and environment are a good fit for you and allows us to share detailes of the application process.
This is particularly true for PhD studentships where we can often advise on how to put together the best application for the opportunity you're interested in or tailor projects to your interests.
Contact Details
Email
m.j.cox@birmingham.ac.uk
UoB Page
Staff profile ↗
Address
Institute of Microbiology & Infection
University of Birmingham
Edgbaston, B15 2TT
University of Birmingham
Edgbaston, B15 2TT
Social
Bluesky ↗