PhD Studentship in Fungal and Bacterial Microbial Interactions
Investigate cross-kingdom communication between fungi and bacteria to understand microbiome function and human health.
Best for:Best for biology and microbiology graduates with a strong interest in host-microbe interactions, microbial genetics, and interdisciplinary research.
Overview
This four-year PhD studentship is offered through the Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme at the University of East Anglia, based in the Buscaino and Juge laboratories at the Quadram Institute Bioscience. The project focuses on decoding the biological rules governing interactions between Candida albicans and Fusobacterium nucleatum, exploring how these cross-kingdom dynamics relate to human health conditions like colorectal cancer. The successful candidate will employ an interdisciplinary approach incorporating fungal genetics, bacterial biology, genomics, and molecular biochemistry. In addition to rigorous scientific research, the candidate will participate in comprehensive skills training and complete a three-month professional internship placement.
What you'll do
- Design and execute experimental studies investigating fungal and bacterial cross-kingdom interactions.
- Utilize advanced molecular techniques including CRISPR genome editing, comparative genomics, and transcriptomics.
- Analyze complex biological datasets using bioinformatics and modern data analysis tools.
- Collaborate within an interdisciplinary research team across the Buscaino and Juge laboratories.
- Communicate research findings effectively through presentations at scientific meetings and preparation of reports.
- Complete a mandatory three-month professional internship placement during the course of the studies.
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelors (Honours) degree at UK 2:1 equivalence or higher in a relevant biological discipline
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6 in each category
Instruction: English
- Foundational knowledge in microbiology, genetics, or molecular biology
- Experience with basic molecular biology laboratory techniques
- Aptitude for experimental design and systematic data analysis
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
- Ability to work effectively in a collaborative research environment
- Open to students meeting standard UK academic entry criteria and residency requirements for doctoral training
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-30
Applicants must apply through the designated university application portal using the specific programme guidelines. Personal and research statements must be submitted using the bespoke templates provided on the training programme website. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews following the application review.
- CV
- Personal statement
- Research statement
- Academic transcripts
- Reference letters
Contact
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