Tracey Chapman
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PhD Studentship: Engineering Gene Drives for Pest Insect Suppression University of East Anglia in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Environmental Science
Funding
Available
Deadline
Nov 30, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of East Anglia

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About this position
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.
Funding details
Available
What's required
At least UK equivalent Bachelors (Honours) 2:1 is required. English language requirement for Faculty of Science equivalent is IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each category.
How to apply
Apply through the University of East Anglia postgraduate research application portal. Use the bespoke NRPDTP Personal Statement and Research Statement templates on the NRPDTP website when completing the application. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 2–4 February 2027.
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