PhD Studentship: Scratching an Itch: Identifying Novel Antifungal Targets to Overcome Drug Resistant Fungal Skin Infections

Primary supervisor - Dr Stefan Bidula

Superficial fungal infections such as those of the skin, hair, and nails affect more than 1 billion people annually. Although usually considered a nuisance, fungal skin infections are notoriously difficult to treat and can be debilitating. In rare cases, skin pathogens can enter wounds and lead to fungal sepsis and death. The global emergence of the drug-resistant species Trichophyton indotineae is cause for concern, particularly as our options to treat fungal infections are already severely limited. Therefore, we need to identify new drug targets if we are to overcome these prevalent infections.  

We are seeking a PhD student to explore the biological roles of four-stranded DNA/RNA structures in fungal skin pathogens and identify whether they represent a new therapeutic target. The project will have a particular focus on characterizing the formation of these unusual structures in fungal skin pathogens and assessing the antifungal potential of drugs targeting these structures in vitro and in 3D skin models.  

This 4-year MRC MMB DTP project employs a diverse mixture of techniques spanning biophysics, molecular microbiology, high-resolution fluorescence microscopy, medical microbiology, transcriptomics, immunology, and 3D infection models. Training in these techniques will be provided by the supervisory team and their collaborators.  

We are seeking a student with a keen interest in medical microbiology or drug discovery and a willingness to learn. The ability to comprehend and communicate complex ideas both in writing and orally is essential. The student will be expected to present their work at national and international conferences and contribute to the writing of manuscripts for publication. The student will be joining a newly established but growing group and will be expected to be capable of working independently and as part of a collaborative team.

The Microbes, Microbiomes and Bioinformatics (MMB) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) is open to UK and International candidates with relevant undergraduate degrees for entry in October 2024 and offers the opportunity to undertake a fully-funded 4-year PhD research project supported by the UKRI Medical Research Council in microbiology and microbial bioinformatics.

Our unique and comprehensive training programme empowers students to feel comfortable running sophisticated computer analyses alongside laboratory work and emphasises problem-based learning in microbial bioinformatics, professional development and research skills. All MMB DTP students undertake a Professional Placement.

Interviews for shortlisted candidates will take place on Wednesday 15 May 2024.

The MRC DTP is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. Students are selected without regard to age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, ethnicity, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation or social background. We value curiosity, independence of thought, plus an aptitude for research that combines laboratory work and bioinformatics.

For information on eligibility and how to apply: www.uea.ac.uk/phd/mmbdtp

Additional Funding Information

This project is awarded with a 4-year fully-funded studentship including direct payment of tuition fees to the University, stipend for living expenses (2023/4 rate: £18,622) and a Research Training Support Grant for each year of the studentship.