PhD Studentship: Bacterial Hosts and Domesticated Viral Machines
Investigate how bacterial hosts control gene transfer agents to drive horizontal gene transfer in marine environments.
Best for:Best for biology or microbiology graduates with an interest in molecular genetics, microbial ecology, and bioinformatics.
Overview
This PhD studentship at the University of East Anglia's John Innes Centre investigates horizontal gene transfer mediated by gene transfer agents (GTAs) in marine bacteria. The project focuses on model organism Ruegeria pomeroyi DSS-3 to understand how bacteria regulate these domesticated viral systems. The successful candidate will integrate molecular genetics, cell imaging, and high-throughput sequencing to uncover the regulatory networks and ecological triggers of GTAs. The student will receive comprehensive interdisciplinary training across multiple world-leading research groups.
What you'll do
- Investigate the regulatory networks controlling gene transfer agent (RpGTA) production in Ruegeria pomeroyi
- Identify ecological signals and environmental triggers that initiate GTA production
- Perform deep metagenomic and metatranscriptomic sequencing to determine GTA abundance and diversity in marine Roseobacter communities
- Apply molecular genetics, biochemistry, and live-cell imaging techniques to analyse host-virus interactions
- Collaborate across research groups at the John Innes Centre, Quadram Institute, and University of East Anglia
Requirements
Degree required: First degree in biology, microbiology, or a related discipline
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; standard institutional postgraduate language requirements apply
Instruction: English
- Strong foundational knowledge in biology, microbiology, or a related discipline
- Interest in bacterial genetics and molecular biology
- Capacity for interdisciplinary research combining wet-lab and computational approaches
- Open to applicants meeting UKRI eligibility criteria for home or international status
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-12-16
Interested applicants should review the personal specification and submit their application through the university postgraduate research application portal. Ensure all required academic documents and supporting statements are uploaded before the specified deadline.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Academic transcripts
- Reference letters
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