A fully funded PhD opportunity is available at the University of East Anglia, focusing on developing innovative gene-editing strategies for insect pest management. The project addresses the urgent challenge of climate change-driven pest migration, specifically targeting the Mediterranean fruit fly, a major threat to agriculture and food security. The research will pioneer CRISPR/Cas9-based genetic sex conversion and gene drive technologies to suppress pest populations by converting harmful females into harmless males. The student will compare fertility and reproductive success between gene-edited and non-edited males, and use advanced AI and machine learning algorithms to analyze insect courtship and behavior. The project is a collaboration with Keele University and Imperial College London, offering a multidisciplinary training environment in gene editing, bioinformatics, and AI. Applicants should have a strong background in biological sciences, genetics, or related fields, and an interest in gene editing and computational analysis. The position is part of a Doctoral Training Partnership, typically providing full funding including stipend and tuition. The application deadline is 25th November 2024, with a start date of 1st October 2025. For more details and to apply, visit the project website.

A fully funded PhD position is available at the University of East Anglia, focusing on developing innovative gene-editing strategies for insect pest management in the context of climate change. The project targets the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), a major threat to agriculture and food security as it expands into new environments. The research will pioneer CRISPR/Cas9-based genetic sex conversion and gene drive technologies to suppress pest populations, transforming harmful females into harmless males. Key objectives include comparing fertility and reproductive success between gene-edited and non-edited males, and using AI/machine learning to analyze insect courtship and behavior. The student will collaborate with Keele University and Imperial College London, gaining advanced skills in gene editing, bioinformatics, and AI. The training environment is designed to foster innovation and independence, preparing the student for a career in pest management or related fields. Applicants should have a strong background in biological sciences, genetics, or bioinformatics, with interest or experience in gene editing and AI. The position is fully funded through the Doctoral Training Partnership, covering tuition and stipend. The application deadline is 25th November 2024, with a start date of 1st October 2025. For more details and to apply, visit the project link provided.

[Fully-funded ARIES studentship covering fees, maintenance stipend (£20,780 p.a. for 2025/26), and research training and support grant (RTSG). International applicants may have the fee difference waived, but relocation, visa, and health surcharge costs are not covered.] PhD Studentship: Cloaks and Daggers – Evolution of Egg Defences in a Global Agricultural Pest The University of East Anglia invites applications for a fully-funded PhD studentship investigating the evolution of egg defences in the medfly ( Ceratitis capitata ), a major global agricultural pest. This interdisciplinary project, supervised by Professor Tracey Chapman, is embedded within the ARIES Ecology and Biodiversity theme and offers advanced training in phenotypic and molecular genetic engineering, bioinformatics, and microbiology. Project Overview: Externally laid eggs are exposed to a variety of microbes, both harmful and beneficial. Medfly mothers protect their eggs by cloaking them with potent, broad-spectrum antimicrobial peptides known as Ceratotoxins. This project aims to unravel the evolutionary and functional significance of these egg cloaks, using cutting-edge techniques such as phenotype engineering, gene editing (CRISPR-Cas9), and microbial community sequencing. Key research questions include: What are the overall fitness benefits of Ceratotoxin egg cloaks under natural conditions? Is the redundancy of Ceratotoxin genes adaptive? Can Ceratotoxins be harnessed for innovative insect control strategies? Methodology: The research will involve phenotypic manipulations (e.g., egg cloak removal, microbial add-backs), fitness assays, molecular genetics, and bioinformatics analyses. Depending on your interests, you may also explore the application of Ceratotoxins in pest management through experimentation, modelling, or literature synthesis. Training and Environment: You will gain high-demand technical skills in molecular genetics, microbiology, and data analysis, as well as transferrable skills in critical thinking, ethics, and open research. The project is based in a vibrant, inclusive research environment at UEA. Funding: The ARIES studentship provides full tuition fees, a maintenance stipend (£20,780 p.a. for 2025/26), and a research training and support grant. International applicants may have the fee difference waived, but relocation, visa, and health surcharge costs are not covered. Eligibility: Applicants should hold at least a UK equivalent Bachelors (Honours) degree at 2:1 level in Biological Sciences, Genetics, or Ecology. English language proficiency (IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category) is required. Both full-time and part-time study modes are available. Application Deadline: 7 January 2025. The studentship is expected to start on 1 October 2026. How to Apply: Applications should be submitted via the UEA postgraduate research application portal. For further details, visit the ARIES DTP and university websites. Informal inquiries to the supervisor are welcome.

[Fully-funded studentship covering fees, maintenance stipend (£20,780 p.a. for 2025/26), and research training and support grant (RTSG). International applicants may have the difference between 'home' and 'international' fees waived, but relocation, visa, and health surcharge costs are not covered.] This PhD studentship at the University of East Anglia investigates the evolution of egg defences in the medfly (Ceratitis capitata), a major global agricultural pest. The project is supervised by Professor Tracey Chapman and is embedded within the ARIES Ecology and Biodiversity theme, offering strong interdisciplinary training in phenotypic and molecular genetic engineering. The research focuses on how medfly mothers protect their eggs by cloaking them with potent, broad-spectrum antimicrobial peptides known as Ceratotoxins, which are encoded by seven genes. These peptides kill microbes by disrupting their membranes, and eggs lacking these protective compounds show slower development, highlighting their evolutionary benefits. The project aims to determine the overall fitness benefits of Ceratotoxin egg cloaks under natural conditions, the functional significance of Ceratotoxin gene redundancy, and the potential application of Ceratotoxins in insect control strategies. Methodologies include phenotypic manipulations (such as egg cloak removal and microbial add-backs), sequencing of microbial communities (16S rDNA), and molecular genetics approaches like CRISPR-Cas9 knock-outs of Ceratotoxin gene combinations. The student will also explore the antimicrobial spectrum and potency of synthetic Ceratotoxin peptide mixtures and assess the fitness of gene-edited medflies. Depending on interests, the project may extend to experimental, modelling, or quantitative literature synthesis approaches to evaluate Ceratotoxin use in pest control, including engineering solutions to reduce host fitness or improve the health of mass-reared strains for sterile release. Training will cover technical skills in bioinformatics, molecular genetics, microbiology, and phenotype engineering, as well as transferrable skills such as critical thinking, ethics, and Open Research. The research environment is described as thriving, respectful, and inclusive. The studentship is fully funded for eligible UK and international candidates, covering tuition fees, a maintenance stipend (£20,780 p.a. for 2025/26), and a research training and support grant. International students may have the difference between home and international fees waived, but must cover their own relocation, visa, and health surcharge costs. Applicants should have a strong background in Biological Sciences, Genetics, or Ecology, with at least a UK 2:1 Honours degree and meet English language requirements (IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category). The position is available for full-time or part-time study, starting 1 October 2026. Applications are submitted via the University of East Anglia’s postgraduate research portal, with a deadline of 7 January 2025.