Ph.D. Project at University of Bath: Investigate the use of Pseudomonas bacteria as a source of novel antifungal compounds to combat fungal pathogens affecting wheat crops. This Ph.D. project aims to discover and characterize bacterial secondary metabolites that can help enhance food security by reducing wheat yield losses due to fungal diseases.
Summary Table:
| Position: | Ph.D. Researcher (3 years) |
|---|---|
| Study Area: | Agricultural Microbiology, Bioinformatics, Analytical Chemistry |
| Scholarship Description: | Antifungal compounds from Pseudomonas bacteria for wheat crop protection |
| Eligibility: | BSc/MSc in Microbiology, Bioscience, or related fields |
| Required Documents: | CV, Cover Letter, Contact Information for Reference |
| How to Apply: | Submit applications to the University of Bath |
| Last Date: | Position open until filled |
Study Area: Agricultural Microbiology, Bioinformatics, Analytical Chemistry
Scholarship Description:
Exploiting the Chemical Genomics of Pseudomonas spp. for Natural Product Antifungals Effective Against Fungal Pathogens of Wheat
This Ph.D. project focuses on addressing a critical challenge in global food production—wheat crop protection against fungal pathogens. Wheat is a staple crop, providing a significant portion of global calories, and it faces threats from fungal diseases that lead to yield losses. Fungal pathogens such as Zymoseptoria tritici, Aspergillus, and Fusarium pose risks to food security due to direct yield loss and mycotoxin contamination.
Existing fungicides have faced resistance over the years, necessitating the search for new chemical control strategies. This project explores the potential of environmental bacterial isolates, particularly Pseudomonas bacteria, as a source of natural antifungal compounds effective against these wheat pathogens. Pseudomonas has demonstrated its ability to antagonize fungal plant pathogens through the production of secondary metabolites.
The project combines various scientific approaches, including microbiology, bioinformatics, and analytical chemistry. Using bioinformatics tools, candidate biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) in bacterial genome assemblies will be predicted, which are responsible for secondary metabolite production. These predictions, together with analytical chemistry methods, will help identify novel bacterial secondary metabolites implicated in fungal antagonism. Mutants will be generated to assess the effects on fungal antagonism and chemical profiles.
The ultimate goal is to contribute to future crop protection products that are urgently needed to manage fungal pathogens in wheat fields.
Eligibility: Prospective candidates should meet the following criteria:
- Hold a BSc/MSc in Microbiology, Bioscience, or related fields.
Required Documents: Interested candidates are encouraged to submit the following documents:
- CV
- Cover letter
- Contact information for a reference
How to Apply: To apply for this Ph.D. position, please submit your application to the University of Bath.
Last Date: The position will remain open until filled.
The SWBio DTP aims to support students from various backgrounds and circumstances. Project adaptations and flexible working arrangements are considered to enable broader access to the Ph.D. program. Discuss any specific needs or inquiries with the listed Ph.D. project supervisor to explore feasible options.
