Tracey Chapman

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.

[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 4-year PhD studentship with tuition fees paid directly to the university, a stipend of £21,805 for 2026/27, and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000 per year.] PhD studentship at the University of East Anglia on engineering gene drives for pest insect suppression, with a focus on the Mediterranean fruitfly (medfly), a globally important agricultural pest that causes major crop losses and is expected to expand its range under climate warming. This project sits within the Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP) and offers a fully funded 4-year PhD for October 2027 entry. The studentship includes tuition fees, an annual stipend, and a Research Training Support Grant. It is designed for a student interested in CRISPR-based technologies, synthetic biology, entomology, and translational genetic biocontrol. Working with Primary Supervisor Professor Tracey Chapman, you will develop and optimise split-drive systems for medfly, aiming to identify the promoters, guides, and target sites that improve gene drive performance while reducing resistance alleles and shadow drive. The project combines CRISPR design, gene drive construction, single-nucleus transcriptomics, quantitative phenotyping, bioinformatics, and population modelling. Training is strengthened through placements at Keele University in applied agricultural entomology and Imperial College London in gene drives and synthetic biology. The studentship includes a three-month Professional Internship Placement (PIPS) during the PhD, and the programme provides support through professional development and research skills training. The work is especially suited to candidates who want interdisciplinary training in pest control innovation, with the opportunity to contribute to field-ready genetic biocontrol technologies. Eligibility highlights include a minimum of a UK-equivalent 2:1 bachelor’s degree and English language proficiency at IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each category. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 2, 3, and 4 February 2027. The start date is 1 October 2027. Applications should be made via the UEA postgraduate research application portal, and applicants must use the NRPDTP templates for personal and research statements.