PhD Studentship: Cloaks and Daggers: Fitness Effects of Ceratotoxin Antimicrobials in a Global Fruit fly Pest

Overview

This studentship focuses on the fitness effects of Ceratotoxin antimicrobials in the medfly, a global agricultural pest. Medfly mothers cover their eggs with antimicrobial peptides called Ceratotoxins, which kill microbes. Offspring from eggs lacking these antimicrobials develop more slowly. The research will use phenotype engineering, sequencing, and gene-editing tools to examine the overall fitness benefits of these egg cloaks under natural conditions, the functional significance of Ceratotoxin redundancy, and the potential of Ceratotoxins for insect control. The methodology involves testing hypotheses for protective egg cloaks through phenotypic manipulations, microbial sequencing, and CRISPR-Cas9 knock-outs, as well as evaluating functional redundancy and insect control applications. Training is provided in technical areas such as bioinformatics, molecular genetics, microbiology, and phenotype engineering, alongside transferable skills.

Who can apply

The opportunity is open to applicants from all sections of the community, considering academic qualifications alongside non-academic experience with equal weighting given to experience and potential. A limited number of studentships are available for international applicants, with the registering university waiving the difference between home and international fees. ARIES funding does not cover relocation costs, living costs in the UK, visa costs, or the health surcharge.

What you get

Successful candidates meeting UKRI eligibility criteria receive a fully-funded studentship covering fees, a maintenance stipend of £21,805 per annum for 2026/27, and a research training and support grant.

Requirements

Applicants are expected to complete the ARIES Equality and Diversity Form Applicants for 2027 Entry after submitting their application for the project, with a separate form required for each project if applying to multiple projects.

How to apply

Applicants must submit their application for the relevant ARIES project and subsequently complete the designated ARIES Equality and Diversity Form.

Key dates

The closing date for applications is 2026-12-16.