About the Project

Join a research initiative aimed at tackling one of agriculture’s most pressing challenges: controlling the Cabbage Stem Flea Beetle (CSFB), Psylliodes chrysocephala. This economically significant pest has devastated oil seed rape and vegetable crops, leading to over £120 million in annual yield losses and severely reduced planting areas.

This PhD project focuses on advancing the CSFB microbiome, particularly endosymbionts, to explore innovative crop protection strategies. Recent research suggests that the microbiome influences critical physiological functions in agricultural pests, including:

• Resistance to insecticides.
• Adaptation to environmental stresses.
• Host plant preferences.
• Mating cycles and survival on nutrient-poor diets.

Using advanced molecular biology, genomics, chemical ecology, and bioinformatics, you will characterize the CSFB microbiome and explore its potential for developing targeted, microbiome-based pest control methods.

Key Objectives

1. Characterization of the Microbiome:
   • Use 16S/18S rRNA and ITS nanopore sequencing to identify microbiome composition and abundance across all CSFB life stages.
   • Isolate and characterize culturable microbiome members using microbiological techniques.
2. Understanding Ecological Adaptation:
   • Assess the microbiome’s role in host plant preferences, fecundity, insecticide resistance, and phenotypic adaptation through in vivo and in vitro bioassays.
3. Microbiome Manipulation:
   • Explore the feasibility of manipulating the microbiome using commercial antimicrobial compounds and natural products with known antimicrobial activity.

Eligibility Requirements

• Academic Background:
  • A degree in Agricultural Sciences, Microbiology, Cell Biology, Ecology, Zoology, or related discipline
  • Experience in molecular biology, bioinformatics, or chemical ecology is desirable.
• Skills:
  • Proficiency in laboratory techniques, data analysis, and microbiological methods.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Language Requirements:
  • Non-native English speakers must provide evidence of English proficiency.

What We Offer

• Funding:
  • Full tuition fees and an annual stipend of £19,237 for 2024–25.
• Research Environment:
  • Work with leading researchers at the University of Exeter and Rothamsted Research.
  • Access cutting-edge technologies, including next-generation sequencing, analytical chemistry tools, and computational models.
• Inclusive Environment:
  • Support for flexible working, part-time study, and accommodations for personal circumstances.
  • Opportunities to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.

Application Process

How to Apply:
Submit your application through the University of Exeter’s funding portal.

Required Documents:

1. CV
2. Letter of Application detailing your academic interests, research experience, and reasons for pursuing this project.
3. Personal Statement
4. Academic Transcripts (including interim transcripts if still studying).
5. Two Academic References
6. Proof of English proficiency (if applicable).

Deadline: Applications must be submitted by midnight on Monday, December 11, 2024.