PhD Studentship: Investigating Molecular Mechanisms Underpinning Mycovirus Mediated Phenotypes

Short overview of PhD opportunity One PhD studentship available on “Investigating Molecular Mechanisms Underpinning MycovirusMediated Phenotypes” at the University of Hertfordshire, Centre for Agriculture, Food and Environmental Management (CAFEM). Overview Qualification type: PhD Subject area: Mycovirology Location/Campus: University of Hertfordshire/College Lane Campus Start date: Spring 2024 Closing application date: Friday 19 January 2024 Full-time/part-time availability: 3 years full-time Project outline Mycoviruses (or fungal viruses) infect fungi, altering their morphology, sporulation, growth, pathogenicity, virulence, and drug resistance, dependent on abiotic and biotic environmental factors, and can be used as biocontrol agents; however, little is known about the Molecular Mechanisms Underpinning their replication cycle, mycovirus-Mediated Phenotypes and mycovirus-host interactions. In order to fulfil the potential of mycoviruses as biocontrol agents for the directed manipulation of fungi to improve human, animal and health, we need to better understand them at the molecular level and be able to modify the viral genome in the laboratory. Aims of project To identify proteins responsible for mycovirus-Mediated Phenotypes. To identify physical interactions between mycovirus and host proteins. To determine the subcellular localization of mycovirus proteins within host. Supervisors Name & email of principal supervisor: Professor Ioly Kotta-Loizou (i.kotta-loizou2@herts.ac.uk) Entry requirements QUALIFICATIONS An undergraduate honours degree at a minimum 2:1 (or equivalent) in microbiology, molecular biology or biochemistry (essential) A postgraduate degree in microbiology, molecular biology or biochemistry (essential) EXPERIENCE Demonstrable research experience on mycovirus projects (essential) KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITY Excellent microbiology skills, including fungal culture (essential) Excellent molecular biology skills, including nucleic acids extraction, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, in vitro transcription and cloning (essential) Very good biochemistry skills, including protein purification (desirable) Very good IT/bioinformatics skills, including genomics and transcriptomics analysis (desirable) Ability to work to tight deadlines, dealing with conflicting priorities and to work accurately under pressure (essential) Ability to deal with sensitive material with strict confidentiality (essential) Methodical approach and attention to detail (essential) Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills in spoken and written English (essential) Good time management skills (essential) PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS Flexible and adaptable (essential) Can-do attitude to problem solving (essential) Effective in a team setting (essential) Able to demonstrate initiative and the ability to learn new skills (essential) Eligibility Who is the opportunity open to? The opportunity is open to Home fees status students. Applicants must be permanently residing in the UK and qualify for Home fees status. How to apply Applicants are required to provide the following documents: A completed application form Two academic references; Copies of qualification certificates and transcripts; Certification of English language competence (minimum IELTS 6.5 or equivalent) for candidates for whom English is not their first language. Please send completed applications via email to the Doctoral College (doctoralcollegeadmissions@herts.ac.uk) using the following format in the email subject line: “mycovirology_PhD_studentship_application”. Interviews will take place: to be confirmed For informal enquires please email: Professor Ioly Kotta-Loizou (i.kotta-loizou2@herts.ac.uk) Funding information The PhD studentship includes: Tuition fees at the UK fee rate A tax free stipend (£18,622 for 2023/4)