PhD Positions (Canada Impact+ Award): The University of Calgary, Canada, is urgently recruiting two highly competitive PhD students to join an advanced research laboratory working at the interface of phage biology, bacterial genetics, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
These positions are fully funded with the opportunity to be nominated for the prestigious Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards (CIRTA), offering CAD 40,000 per year for 3 years to outstanding international researchers.
Fully Funded PhD Positions in Phage Biology & Bacterial Genetics (Canada Impact+ Award)
Designation
PhD Research Scholar (Fully Funded)
Research Area
- Phage Biology
- Bacterial Genetics
- Structural Biology
- Microbiology & Genomics
- Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
- Host–Pathogen Interactions
Location
University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Eligibility / Qualification
Mandatory Eligibility (Strict – Impact+ Award Requirements):
- International applicants OR Canadian citizens/permanent residents currently residing outside Canada
- Must NOT be currently affiliated with any Canadian institution
- Strong publication record is required
Academic Background (Project-Specific):
Project 1 – Phage Structural Biology (The Attacker):
- MSc in Biochemistry, Structural Biology, or related fields
- Strong research track record
- Experience in protein purification is a strong asset
Project 2 – Host Resistance Mechanisms (The Defender):
- MSc in Microbiology, Genetics, Genomics, or related disciplines
- Experience with bacterial cloning, CRISPR, or bioinformatics is desirable
Job Description
The selected PhD candidates will investigate the molecular arms race between lytic bacteriophages and multidrug-resistant E. coli ST131, a globally significant pandemic pathogen.
Available PhD Projects:
🧬 Project 1: Phage Structural Biology (The Attacker)
- Characterization of novel phage tail-spike proteins
- Study of enzymatic degradation of E. coli surface structures
- Techniques:
- X-ray Crystallography
- Cryo-Electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM)
- Protein Biochemistry
🛡️ Project 2: Host Resistance Mechanisms (The Defender)
- Validation of host genes mediating phage resistance identified via GWAS
- Functional and molecular analysis of resistance pathways
- Techniques:
- CRISPR/Cas9
- Site-directed mutagenesis
- Pull-down assays
- Genomic and bioinformatics approaches
Scholarship / Funding Details
- Canada Impact+ Research Training Award (CIRTA)
- Funding: CAD 40,000 per year
- Duration: 3 years
- Focus: Scientific excellence, leadership development, and cross-sectoral skills
How to Apply
Due to strict nomination timelines, candidates are required immediately.
Email your application to:
📧 dongyan.niu@ucalgary.ca
Email Subject Line:
“PhD Application – Impact+ [Project 1 OR Project 2]”
Required Documents:
- Detailed CV with full publication list
- Brief cover letter confirming:
- Current country/location
- Specific project interest (Project 1 or Project 2)
- Copies of BSc and MSc transcripts
📌 Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
Why Join This Program?
- High-Impact Research: Contribute directly to solutions addressing the global antimicrobial resistance crisis
- Advanced Technical Training:
- Cryo-EM & X-ray crystallography OR
- CRISPR, genomics, and host–pathogen genetics
- Career Development: Training aligned with academia, biotech, and translational research pathways
- Prestigious Funding: Opportunity to be nominated for the Canada Impact+ Award
Last Date to Apply
📅 January 8, 2026
