Dr B Raymond
No more applications being accepted
Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
About the Project
The evolution of resistance is a major and on-going problem when pesticides are used to control insects. One important distinction between biological and synthetic chemical pesticides is that the former are capable of evolving in response to changes in a host insect. Bacillus thuringiensis is arguably the world’s most important bio-pesticide and provides environmentally friendly pest control options in organic horticulture, forestry, and vector control; it is also the major source of insect-specific toxins for material for genetically modified crops.
In this project, we will apply evolutionary theory to this applied problem and investigate how to drive evolutionary changes in B. thuringiensis, so that it can overcome resistance in an insect pest (the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella). This project is an interdisciplinary collaboration, between a protein biochemist (Dr Crickmore, University of Sussex) and an evolutionary ecologist (Dr Raymond) and will draw on techniques from experimental evolution and directed evolution in order to develop novel biopesticide strains or toxins. This project is funded by the Leverhulme Trust for 3 years (£15, 726 p.a. (tax free) plus EU/ home fees) and the appointee will work alongside a post-doctoral research associate funded on the same project.
We are seeking a PhD candidate who will explore the role of recombination and mutation rates in the evolutionary response of B. thuringiensis to host resistance. The successful candidate will develop molecular tools and protocols, carry out selection and test co-evolutionary theory in an applied context.
He/she can also expect to receive training in experimental evolution, microbiology, molecular biology, bacterial genomics and statistical computing. This studentship offers a unique opportunity to develop innovative tools for improving the sustainability of microbial control agents and biotech crops.
Applicants should have a strong interest in microbiology and evolutionary biology. He/she will have an excellent academic record (normally a Masters degree in addition to a BSc, at 2:1 or better, are required), with strong quantitative and laboratory skills. An interest in pest management or experience of insect culture and / or molecular biology would be desirable.
This position has a start date of 1st December 2014. The project will be supervised by Dr Ben Raymond (Imperial) and Dr Neil Crickmore (University of Sussex). The student will be based at the Silwood Park Campus of Imperial College London as part of the Grand Challenges in Ecosystems and the Environment Initiative.
Funding Notes
This position provides full funding for UK/EU students only for 3 years, although candidates from other countries are encouraged to apply, noting that non-EU student tuition fees must be covered by the student or other sources. We encourage informal enquiries about the position, which should be directed to Dr Ben Raymond ([Email Address Removed]).
References
To apply, please send in a full cv and contact details for two referees to james.ferguson@imperial.ac.uk Application submission deadline is 5pm Thursday 30th October 2014
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