CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES

About the Project

This 4-year PhD studentship to be undertaken at Imperial College London provides inter-disciplinary training at the intersection of population genetics, evolution, and synthetic biology, with a focus on genetic engineering.

The student will be an active member of Target Malaria, a unique research consortium developing novel genetic methods to control the mosquitoes that transmit malaria.

The student will be based in the Department of Life Sciences at the South Kensington campus of Imperial College, a leading international centre for research and teaching in cell and developmental biology. Imperial College host a vast range of interdisciplinary initiatives and networks, such as the Malaria Network, focussed on the development of novel approaches that aim at malaria eradication.

The project

The project will involve exploring cutting-edge technologies to improve and build new generations gene drive systems, based on CRISPR/Cas9 systems, as well as self-limiting system with the goal of decreasing the reproductive potential of malaria transmitting mosquito populations. The project will be under the supervision of Prof. Andrea Crisanti (Department of Life Sciences, South Kensington campus) and co-supervised by Prof. Austin Burt (Department of Life Sciences, Silwood Park campus).

Depending upon the attitude and interests of the student, the project may involve:

1. Designing, building and testing novel genetic strategies, involving testing alternative nucleases, identifying new genetic targets; modulating and regulating the expression of nucleases in specific tissues and developmental stages;
2. assessing alternative strategies to minimise molecular instability of genetic constructs as well as the likelihood of target site resistance to evolve;

Depending on the specific project, the student will have the opportunity to learn (or expand their proficiency in):

1. Molecular biology, genetics and genetic engineering, particularly CRISPR/Cas9 based systems.
2. Developing and testing molecular approaches for population control of malaria transmitting mosquitoes.
3. Assembling and analysing large genomic and transcriptomic dataset.

More generally, a skills and training plan will be developed, with opportunities to audit relevant modules at Imperial or attend courses externally.

Prior knowledge in these areas is not necessary — training will be provided — but an eagerness to learn is.

Eligibility

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, a first or upper second-class degree in a relevant subject, which includes all of those from the quantitative and life sciences – including biology, zoology, genetics, mathematics, physics, computer science, and statistics. Candidates with a master’s degree, in addition to the BSc, might be given preference. Candidates are expected to also meet the eligibility requirements for Post-Graduate Studies at Imperial College London.

Funding

This 4-year studentship will cover tuition fees up to the UK home student rate and will provide an annual tax-free stipend at the standard UKRI level, currently at £20,161 (rising annually by an amount linked to inflation), in 12 monthly instalments. Although both overseas and home students can apply for these studentships, only UK home student fees are covered, and successful overseas candidates should be able to demonstrate adequate financial support to cover the difference between the home fee and the overseas fee. They are expected to also meet the eligibility requirements for Post-Graduate Studies at Imperial College London.

Target Malaria

The student will join a multi-disciplinary international consortium of over 200 researchers at 7 different institutions around the world bringing together experts in molecular and population genetics, field entomology, ecology, epidemiology, risk analysis, regulatory science, stakeholder engagement, and project management (for further details, see www.targetmalaria.org). We receive core funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Open Philanthropy Project.

Application procedure

To apply, in the first instance please send a CV (including names of two references) and cover letter (including why you want to do a PhD and why you are interested in this particular project) in a single PDF document to Dr Federica Bernardini.

Further information

Informal enquiries can be directed to Dr Federica Bernardini