Elucidating the pathobiology of Candida albicans

The Hall lab is interested in understanding the biology and virulence factors of fungal pathogens. Our research largely focuses on the opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida albicans, which causes a range of infections from superficial mucosal infections (i.e. thrush) to life-threatening systemic disease (i.e. candidiasis).

During colonisation of the human host, C. albicans has to respond and adapt to a wide range of environmental factors, which regulate key virulence factors of the pathogen. In addition to host derived environmental signals, C. albicans also responds to communication molecules produced from the microbiota and directly interacts with other commensal and pathogenic microbes. In order to understand how all these factors affect the pathobiology of C. albicans we are interested in several projects including:

· Investigating how adaptation to the host environment affects the structure of the fungal cell wall, and the impact this has on the host-pathogen interaction.

· Elucidating the role of direct cell-cell interactions of C. albicans with the microbiome

· Deciphering the role of polymicrobial interactions in regulating antimicrobial susceptibility

· Exploring the impact of microbial communication molecules on the human host

In order to achieve our research goals, we use cutting-edge techniques in transcriptomics, live cell imaging, molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology, immunology and biochemistry. For more details about our research, please contact Dr Rebecca Hall and visit our website. You will work in the dynamic environment of the School of Biosciences, based in the Division of Natural Sciences at the University of Kent. The School is home to the Kent Fungal Group, formed of 9 independent research groups, focussing on various aspects of fungal biology and microbiology with whom we work closely with and collaborate with.

If you are an enthusiastic individual interested in starting a PhD then we would be delighted to hear from you. A background in biological sciences (i.e. microbiology, molecular biology, immunology) would be advantageous, and due to the competitive nature of the studentships, an upper class degree (2:1 or above) together with demonstrable research experience is highly desirable.

Funding

This is a self-funded PhD open to all applicants. Fees for the 2022 academic year are £4,596 for home students, £21,200 for European students and overseas students. Additional bench fees depend on the aims of the project and will be discussed during interview.

How to apply

Webpages: https://www.kent.ac.uk/biosciences/people/3190/hall-rebecca https://www.kentfungalgroup.com/dr-becky-hall

Contact: for further information or informal enquiries, please contact Dr Rebecca Hall

You will need to apply through the online application form on the main University website. Please note that you will be expected to provide personal details, education and employment history and supporting documentation (Curriculum Vitae, transcript of results, two academic references). Please apply here.