PhD Studentship: Decoding Molecular Switches in Fungal Growth and Infection
Investigate G-quadruplex DNA and RNA structures in fungal pathogens to develop novel antifungal therapies.
Best for:Best for life science graduates with a strong background in molecular biology, biochemistry, or microbiology seeking multidisciplinary doctoral training.
Overview
This 4-year PhD studentship at the University of East Anglia, offered through the Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership, investigates the regulatory roles of G-quadruplexes during fungal spore germination. Focusing on the human pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus, the project combines molecular microbiology, genetics, and NMR spectroscopy to understand metabolic shifts and cell-wall remodelling. The successful candidate will receive comprehensive multidisciplinary training, engage in collaborative research, and complete a three-month professional internship placement. Applicants are expected to participate in research dissemination, academic publishing, and professional development activities throughout their doctoral studies.
What you'll do
- Investigate the regulatory role of G-quadruplexes in fungal spore germination and metabolic changes
- Generate genome-wide maps of G-quadruplex formation using high-throughput sequencing technologies
- Engineer targeted mutants utilizing CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing tools
- Investigate metabolic shifts using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
- Examine how molecular processes influence fungal cell-wall remodelling and antifungal susceptibility
- Present research findings at national and international academic conferences
- Contribute to scientific manuscripts for publication in leading peer-reviewed journals
- Complete a mandatory three-month professional internship placement during the degree programme
Requirements
Degree required: BSc or equivalent honours degree in microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, or a related discipline
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6 in each category, or Faculty of Science equivalent
Instruction: English
- Strong foundational knowledge in molecular microbiology, genetics, or biochemistry
- Demonstrated academic excellence with at least a 2:1 honours degree or equivalent
- Ability to design and execute experimental workflows independently
- Competence in data analysis and biological interpretation
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for scientific collaboration
- Open to candidates of all nationalities and backgrounds meeting academic and language entry criteria
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-30
Applicants must submit their application through the university postgraduate admissions portal using the designated research programme links. Specific bespoke templates provided on the NRPDTP website must be used for the Personal and Research statements. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Personal statement
- Research statement
- Academic transcripts
- Reference letters
Contact
Stefan Bidula· Primary Supervisor
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