Stefan Bidula

[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. ARIES funding does not cover relocation, visa, or health surcharge costs.] This PhD studentship at the University of East Anglia investigates the global impact of fungi in the context of climate change, focusing on whether these organisms act as friends or foes. The project centers on the molecule dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP), produced by marine organisms and broken down into dimethyl sulphide (DMS), a gas that influences climate by promoting the formation of cooling clouds. While marine bacteria are known to convert DMSP to DMS, recent evidence suggests fungi may also play a role, though the mechanisms and implications remain unclear. Key research questions include whether fungi acquired this ability from bacteria via gene transfer or evolved their own mechanisms, and whether their interactions with marine plants are symbiotic or pathogenic. The successful candidate will pioneer research into these processes in marine fungi, assessing their contribution to climate change. Methodologies will include fieldwork to identify and quantify fungi involved in DMSP breakdown or production, molecular techniques to generate gene knockouts and identify new enzymes and pathways, and plant infection models with high-resolution microscopy to study fungal colonization and invasion. The student will join a dynamic laboratory group and receive comprehensive training in fluorescent microscopy, fungal culture, transcriptomics, next-generation sequencing, molecular microbiology, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and gas chromatography. Support in scientific communication, writing, and data analytics will be provided, and opportunities to present research at national and international conferences are encouraged. The student will also benefit from access to the Centre for Microbial Interactions, a large network of researchers at UEA. Applicants should have a strong background in Biological Sciences, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, or Genetics, with at least a UK equivalent Bachelors (Honours) 2:1 and meet English language requirements (IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category). The studentship is fully funded for eligible UK and international candidates, covering fees, a maintenance stipend (£20,780 p.a. for 2025/26), and a research training and support grant. International students may have the fee difference waived, but relocation, visa, and health surcharge costs are not covered. The position starts on 1 October 2026, with applications due by 7 January 2026.