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University of St Andrews

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PhD in Molecular Basis of Viral Superinfection Exclusion at University of St Andrews University of St Andrews in United Kingdom

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Cell Biology

Funding

This is a 4-year competition-funded PhD project through the EASTBIO BBSRC Doctoral Training Partnership. Funding covers a stipend at the UKRI standard rate and UK-level tuition fees; the University of St Andrews will cover the Home-International fee difference. Open to UK and international students.

Deadline

Nov 16, 2026

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Country

United Kingdom

University

University of St Andrews

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Keywords

Cell Biology
Biochemistry
Molecular Biology
Virology
Biophysics
Structural Biology
Cryo-electron Microscopy
Cell Imaging
Plant Virology

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About this position

PhD opportunity in viral superinfection exclusion at the University of St Andrews

This funded PhD project investigates the molecular basis of viral superinfection exclusion (SIE) in two plant RNA viruses. SIE is a process where an established virus infection prevents subsequent infection by the same or closely related viruses, with implications for viral evolution, recombination, and viral vector biotechnology.

The project combines biochemistry, biophysics, structural biology, cell biology, and advanced live-cell imaging. The student will study oligomerisation of viral replication proteins using tools such as AlphaFold and cryoEM, test altered proteins for their ability to induce SIE in vivo, and track viral genome distribution in host cells during SIE establishment.

The work will be carried out in the School of Biology at the University of St Andrews, within two co-located research teams. Training includes molecular biology, protein biochemistry, structural biology, and fluorescence imaging, plus access to career and transferable skills programmes.

Funding: 4-year competition-funded EASTBIO BBSRC Doctoral Training Partnership studentship. Funding covers a stipend at the UKRI standard rate and UK tuition fees; the university covers the Home-International fee difference.

Eligibility: Open to UK and international students. English language qualification is required if applicable. Applicants must submit the EASTBIO application form, EDI survey, academic qualifications, and two references.

Application: Apply via the University of St Andrews online portal, select PhD with internship, and follow the EASTBIO application instructions. Informal enquiries can be directed to Dr J Tilsner.

Funding details

This is a 4-year competition-funded PhD project through the EASTBIO BBSRC Doctoral Training Partnership. Funding covers a stipend at the UKRI standard rate and UK-level tuition fees; the University of St Andrews will cover the Home-International fee difference. Open to UK and international students.

What's required

Applicants should have or expect a strong background relevant to biochemistry, biophysics, cell biology, molecular biology, plant biology, structural biology, or virology. The project is open to students worldwide and English language qualification is required if applicable. Two references and academic qualifications must be submitted with the application.

How to apply

Download and complete the EASTBIO Equality, Diversity and Inclusion survey and EASTBIO Application Form. Submit an online application through the University of St Andrews portal and select the course 'PhD with internship'. Include the required forms, qualifications, English language evidence if applicable, and two references.

More information can be found here

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