Professor Matt O'Shea

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

Scientific Background

Research Interests

My research focuses on clinically important infections and, in particular, the interaction between the human immune system and microbial pathogens. A major area of interest is understanding human immune responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes tuberculosis, and translating this knowledge into improved diagnostics, treatments and vaccine candidates. My group studies innate and adaptive immunity to mycobacteria, including B-cell, antibody, T-cell and eosinophil responses. We use clinical samples, computational and bioinformatic approaches, and in vivo and ex vivo models to investigate the spectrum from latent tuberculosis infection to active disease. We are also interested in how co-infections, particularly helminth infections, influence immune function and mycobacterial control. Alongside this work, I undertake broader clinically relevant infection research, including infections encountered in military and operational settings. For example, the development of AMR infections associated with combat trauma and how to mitigate against these risks.

Research Groups

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: Supportive, collaborative, goal-oriented.

Provision of Training

At the beginning of the PhD, I will work with you and the wider supervisory team to identify your training needs and establish a strong foundation in the relevant scientific concepts, laboratory or computational methods, and research governance. As your skills and confidence develop, I will encourage increasing independence while ensuring that appropriate expertise, guidance and opportunities for troubleshooting remain available.

Progression Monitoring and Management

We will agree clear, realistic objectives and review progress regularly against the project鈥檚 scientific aims and formal doctoral milestones. I expect students to take increasing ownership of their work, maintain clear records and raise difficulties early; where progress is slower than anticipated, we will discuss the underlying issues constructively and agree a practical plan of action together.

Communication

I encourage open, professional and two-way communication. Students should feel able to ask questions, discuss unexpected results and raise concerns at an early stage, while recognising that my clinical, academic and military commitments mean that some discussions will need to be scheduled. We will use regular meetings to maintain continuity, and I will make clear when a matter is urgent and which communication method is most appropriate.

Meetings

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me at least once per fortnight. These meetings will be a mixture of face-to-face and via video chat or telephone. I have an open door policy, but my pattern of being contactable for an instant response is not predictable.

Work Patterns

The timing of work in my lab is completely flexible, and (other than attending pre-arranged meetings) I expect students to manage their own time.

Notice Period for Feedback

I need at least 2 weeks' notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5,000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Primary supervisor for:

Project Title

See the PhD Opportunities section to see if this project is currently open for applications via MIBTP.

Please Note: The main page lists projects via BBSRC Research Theme(s) quoted and then relevant Topic(s).

Project Title

Secondary Supervisor(s):

University of Registration:

BBSRC Research Themes:

Sustainable Agriculture and Food (Animal Health and Welfare, Microbial Food Safety, Plant and Crop Science)
Renewable Resources and Clean Growth (Bio-energy, Industrial Biotechnology)
Understanding the Rules of Life (Immunology, Microbiology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, Plant Science, Soil Science, Stem Cells, Structural Biology, Systems Biology)
Integrated Understanding of Health (Ageing, Diet and Health, Pharmaceuticals, Regenerative Biology)

Project Outline

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CASE Project Title

See the Industrial Collaboration PhD Studentships page to see if this project is currently open for applications via MIBTP.

CASE: Project Title

University of Registration:

Non-academic partner:

Secondary Supervisor(s):

Project Outline

Application

Deadline: 26 November 2026.

To apply for a CASE studentship, please check your eligibility and complete the MIBTP application process.

Please ensure that you:

Apply directly to University
Clearly state you are applying for a CASE project and stipulate the project title
Please also complete the online ED&I formLink opens in a new window

Co-supervisor on a project / projects with supervisor name + link.

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