Katherine Helliwell

A fully funded PhD studentship is available at the University of Exeter and the Marine Biological Association (MBA) in Plymouth, UK, as part of the ERC-funded DIACIDAL project. The research focuses on defining single-cell interactions between phytoplankton and bacterial pathogens, using advanced methodologies in microbial physiology, microscopy, genetics, and bioinformatics. The project includes studying infection dynamics in lab cultures, conducting mesocosm experiments in natural marine communities, and analyzing single-cell microbiomes during phytoplankton blooms in the Western English Channel. The successful candidate will be primarily based at the MBA, with time spent at Exeter’s Streatham Campus, and will join a collaborative research group led by Associate Professor Katherine Helliwell, Associate Professor Ben Temperton, Dr Matthew Keys, and Dr Glen Wheeler. The studentship covers tuition fees for both Home and International students and provides a generous annual stipend of £20,780 for 3.5 years. Applicants should have a First or Upper Second Class degree in Biological Sciences, microbiology, marine biology, or plant sciences. The application deadline is 29th October 2025. For more information and to apply, contact Katherine Helliwell at [email protected] and visit the provided application link.

A fully funded PhD studentship is available at the University of Exeter in partnership with the Marine Biological Association (MBA) in Plymouth, UK. The project, part of the ERC-funded DIACIDAL initiative, investigates single-cell interactions between phytoplankton and bacterial pathogens, spanning lab cultures to natural marine communities. Research highlights include studying infection dynamics, conducting mesocosm experiments, and analyzing microbiomes during phytoplankton blooms in the Western English Channel. The student will receive training in microbial physiology, advanced microscopy, bacterial genetics, and bioinformatics. The position is primarily based at the MBA, with time at Exeter’s Streatham Campus. The studentship covers Home/International tuition and provides an annual stipend of £20,780 for 3.5 years. Applicants should have a First or Upper Second Class degree in Biological Sciences, microbiology, marine biology, or plant sciences. The supervisory team includes Associate Prof. Katherine Helliwell (primary supervisor), Associate Prof. Ben Temperton, Dr Matthew Keys, and Dr Glen Wheeler. The application deadline is 29th October 2025. For more information and to apply, visit the University of Exeter funding page or contact Katherine Helliwell at [email protected].

A fully funded PhD studentship is available at the University of Exeter and the Marine Biological Association in Plymouth, UK, as part of the ERC-funded DIACIDAL project. The research focuses on defining single-cell interactions between phytoplankton and bacterial pathogens, using advanced methodologies such as microbial physiology, microscopy, bacterial genetics, and bioinformatics. The project includes studying infection dynamics in lab cultures, conducting mesocosm experiments in natural marine communities, and analyzing single-cell microbiomes during phytoplankton blooms in the Western English Channel. The successful candidate will be primarily based at the MBA, with time spent at Exeter’s Streatham Campus, and will join a dynamic, inclusive research group. The supervisory team includes Associate Prof. Katherine Helliwell (primary supervisor), Associate Prof. Ben Temperton, Dr Matthew Keys, and Dr Glen Wheeler. The studentship covers Home/International tuition and provides an annual stipend of £20,780 for 3.5 years. Applicants should have a First or Upper Second Class degree in Biological Sciences, microbiology, marine biology, or plant sciences, and be motivated by marine microbial ecology. The application deadline is 29th October 2025. For more information and to apply, contact Katherine Helliwell at [email protected] and visit the application link.