PhD Opportunity: CAPE — Cuticle-Active Phyllosphere Enzymes (CROCUS NERC DLA)

This PhD position, jointly hosted by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and the University of Reading, focuses on discovering and characterising microbial enzymes from the phyllosphere (leaf surfaces) for sustainable plastic depolymerisation. The project is part of the CROCUS NERC Doctoral Landscape Analysis (DLA) programme and is supervised by Prof. Irina S. Druzhinina, with co-supervisors Dr Glyn Barrett and Dr Graham Luke.

The research aims to explore whether microbes living on plant cuticles, which are natural polyesters similar to plastics like PET, can provide novel enzymes for greener recycling technologies. The PhD researcher will map cuticle traits and phyllosphere microbial communities, build a DNA-barcoded isolate collection, screen for polymer-active enzymes, identify candidate gene families, and apply advanced imaging techniques (cryo-FIB-SEM, Raman, MALDI) to visualise leaf–biofilm interfaces. The ultimate goal is to contribute to nature-inspired solutions for a circular plastics economy.

Key research areas:

• Microbial enzymes and bioprospecting
• Phyllosphere ecology and plant-microbe interactions
• Plastic depolymerisation and environmental biotechnology
• Polyesterase activity and enzyme discovery
• Advanced imaging and genomics

Training and development: The student will receive structured training in phyllosphere sampling, DNA/RNA workflows, bioinformatics, microbial genomics, DNA barcoding, polymer activity assays, cryo-FIB-SEM sample preparation, Raman confocal and MALDI mass-spectrometry imaging, open-science, research data management, and science communication. A short placement at Reading’s CAF/CfAM will provide hands-on certification in advanced microscopy and mass-spectral imaging workflows. There are also opportunities for fieldwork in Kew’s collections and ongoing research in Brazil and Guinea.

Eligibility: Applicants should have a degree in Biology, Genetics, Microbiology, Plant Science, Environmental Biology, or Biochemistry, with enthusiasm for quantitative and image analyses. Desirable skills include basic lab microbiology/molecular skills, interest in imaging/‘omics data, and willingness to work across ecology, chemistry, and microscopy. Training will cover any gaps. International students may apply but must cover the difference between Home and International fees.

Funding: UKRI funding covers Home fees (which increase annually) and a stipend; international students must pay the difference between Home and International fees. The project receives a CASE award from Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Application process: Applications will open soon via the CROCUS DLA programme. Interested candidates should prepare their application materials and monitor the CROCUS DLA portal for updates. Informal inquiries can be directed to Prof. Irina S. Druzhinina at [email protected].

Deadline: Apply before 12 January 2026.

Keywords: microbial enzymes, phyllosphere, plastic depolymerisation, bioprospecting, plant cuticle, polyesterase, biotechnology, environmental microbiology, advanced imaging, genomics.