PhD Studentship - Identifying Novel Drivers of Antifungal Resistance in Killer Fungi

Number of Opportunities Available: 1

Primary supervisor – Dr Stefan Bidula

The post Infections caused by Candida spp. contribute to almost 1 million deaths annually. This is primarily via entry into the bloodstream, which can cause fungal sepsis in immunocompromised people. Candida spp. is a highly successful opportunistic pathogen due to its excellent ability to adapt to environmental stresses experienced in the human host, such as nutrient limitation, high temperatures, the immune response, and exposure to antifungals. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this innate ability to adapt are not fully understood.

One of the best-studied non-canonical structures that forms within DNA and RNA is the four-stranded G-quadruplex (G4). These play key roles in regulating how genes are expressed, and proteins are made, but they also contribute to genome instability and the acquisition of mutations. G4s are widely studied in humans but poorly studied in pathogenic fungi, and we are pioneering these essential studies. We are seeking a PhD student to explore these four-stranded DNA/RNA structures in pathogenic Candida species and determine whether they contribute to the acquisition of drug resistance in these pathogenic yeasts.

This 4-year MRC MMB DTP project will provide training in a mixture of advanced biomolecular techniques spanning biophysics, molecular microbiology, high-resolution fluorescence microscopy, medical microbiology, transcriptomics, immunology, and infection models. Training in these techniques will be provided by the supervisory team and their collaborators.

About you

We are seeking a student with a keen interest in medical microbiology or drug discovery and a willingness to learn. The ability to comprehend and communicate complex ideas both in writing and orally is essential. You  will be provided opportunities to present their work at national and international conferences and contribute to writing manuscripts for publication. You will be join a vibrant and collaborative group and will work both independently and as part of our dynamic research team.

The Microbes, Microbiomes and Bioinformatics (MMB) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) is open to UK and international candidates with relevant undergraduate degrees for entry in October 2025 and offers the opportunity to undertake a fully-funded 4-year PhD research project supported by the UKRI Medical Research Council in microbiology and microbial bioinformatics.

Our unique and comprehensive training programme empowers students to feel comfortable running sophisticated computer analyses alongside laboratory work and emphasises problem-based learning in microbial bioinformatics, professional development and research skills. All MMB DTP students undertake a Professional Placement.

Interviews for shortlisted candidates will take place on Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21 May 2025.

The MMB DTP is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. Students are selected without regard to age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, ethnicity, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation or social background. We value curiosity, independence of thought, plus an aptitude for research that combines laboratory work and bioinformatics.

For information on eligibility and how to apply: www.uea.ac.uk/phd/mmbdtp

Additional Funding Information:

This project is awarded with a 4-year fully-funded studentship including direct payment of tuition fees to the University, stipend for living expenses (2025/26 rate: £20,780) and a Research Training Support Grant for each year of the studentship.

Closing Date: 14/04/2025

Please complete your application via the ‘Apply’ button above.

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