PhD Studentship: Engineering Gene Drives for Pest Insect Suppression
Develop advanced CRISPR-based gene drive technologies to sustainably suppress agricultural pest insect populations.
Best for:Best for biology graduates with strong molecular skills and an interest in CRISPR technology and agricultural pest control.
Overview
The University of East Anglia invites applications for a fully funded 4-year PhD studentship focused on engineering gene drives for the suppression of the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly) and other agricultural pests. Based within the School of Biological Sciences as part of the Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme, the project involves building, testing, and optimizing split-drive pipelines through interdisciplinary collaboration. Candidates will gain cutting-edge expertise in CRISPR design, synthetic biology, single-nucleus transcriptomics, and population modeling, complemented by placement opportunities at Keele and Imperial College London. The selected researcher will be expected to conduct independent experimental work, optimize phenotyping protocols, and translate findings toward field-deployable biosecurity solutions.
What you'll do
- Design and construct split-drive systems to evaluate parameters governing gene drive performance.
- Perform CRISPR editing, cloning, and single-nucleus transcriptomics to analyze genetic components.
- Establish robust quantitative phenotyping protocols to measure insect fitness and drive efficiency.
- Isolate optimal promoters, guides, and targets while mitigating resistance alleles and shadow drive.
- Complete a three-month professional internship placement during the course of the doctoral study.
- Collaborate with partner institutions including Keele University and Imperial College London.
- Disseminate research outcomes through scientific publications and presentations.
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelors (Honours) 2:1 or UK equivalence
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; IELTS 6.5 overall with minimum 6 in each category
Instruction: English
- Background in biological sciences or a closely related discipline
- Demonstrated academic excellence at the undergraduate level
- Aptitude for molecular biology and genetic engineering techniques
- Interest in interdisciplinary research encompassing bioinformatics and modeling
- Open to candidates meeting standard UK doctoral training admission criteria without regard to background.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-30
Applicants must complete their application through the university's postgraduate research application portal. Candidates must use the bespoke templates provided on the NRPDTP website for their Personal and Research statements. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for interviews following initial review.
- CV
- Personal statement
- Research statement
- Academic transcripts
- Reference letters
Create a free profile to unlock your personal match score, the full requirements, funding details and how to apply — in English or Persian.