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Information on Postgraduate Research Scholarship – Ref: VCS-FES-NRI-03-23

Faculty: Faculty of Engineering and Science
Department: Agriculture, Health, and Environment Department
Lead Supervisor: Dr. Andrew Armitage
Project Title: Breeding Better Biocontrols: Genomic Approaches for Strain Improvement of Hyphal-Parasitic Fungi

Project Description:
Fungal pathogens are responsible for up to 16% of global crop losses, acting both pre-harvest and post-harvest, as well as through mycotoxin contamination. There is a growing need for alternatives to chemical control, with the emergence of pathogens resistant to fungicides compounding the loss of many plant protection products due to risks to human and environmental health. However, a range of beneficial fungi has been demonstrated as effective biocontrol agents for protection against insect pests and disease-causing fungi.

Biocontrols offer an excellent, environmentally favorable solution for crop protection. However, they remain less effective than chemical control alternatives. Using advanced genomics, we have the opportunity to study and implement new breeding strategies for strain improvement, thus offering greater biocontrol efficacy and persistence in the environment.

There is evidence for cryptic sexuality, parasexuality, and genetic exchange within a number of biocontrol fungi. Where sexuality can be identified, this opens new opportunities for crossing experiments to (A) understand the genetic control of important traits (e.g. persistence/infection), and (B) to harness the natural genetic diversity of biocontrol populations through biocontrol breeding programs.

At the core of this project, the student will perform bioinformatic analyses of fungal genomes to identify signatures of genetic exchange and sexuality within natural populations of biocontrol fungi (e.g. Clonostachys spp., Trichoderma spp.) and wider fungi as control species. This will be supported by lab-based studies of biocontrol interactions to identify key genes in biocontrol activity, such as hyphal parasitism. Where sexuality or genetic exchange can be observed or manipulated, this will unlock new tools for breeding better biocontrols.

Objectives:

1. Generate reference genome assemblies for the biocontrol agent Clonostachys rosea
2. Identify signatures of sexuality in biocontrol populations
3. Characterize genetic barriers to sexual crossing
4. Identify genes involved in fungal hyphal parasitism

Duration: 3 years, Full-Time Study or 6 years, Part-Time Study
Bursary available (subject to satisfactory performance):

• Year 1: £18,622 (FT) or pro-rata (PT)
• Year 2: In line with UKRI rate
• Year 3: In line with UKRI rate

In addition, the successful candidate will receive a contribution to tuition fees equivalent to the university’s Home rate, currently £4,712 (FT) or pro-rata (PT), for the duration of their scholarship. International applicants will need to pay the remaining tuition fees for the duration of their scholarship. This fee is subject to an annual increase.

Person Specification (Essential (E) or Desirable (D) requirements):
Education and Training:

• 1st Class or 2nd Class, First Division (Upper Second Class) honours degree or a taught master’s degree with a minimum average of 60% in all areas of assessment (UK or UK equivalent) in a relevant area to the proposed research project (E)
• For those whose first language is not English and/or if from a country where English is not the majority spoken language (as recognized by the UKBA), a language proficiency score of at least IELTS 6.5 (in all elements of the test) or an equivalent UK VISA and Immigration secure English Language Test is required, if your programme falls within the faculty of Engineering and Science. A language proficiency score of at least IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in all elements of the test or an equivalent UK VISA and Immigration secure English Language Test is required unless the degree above was taught in English and obtained in a majority English-speaking country, e.g., UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, etc., as recognized by the UKBA. (E)

Experience & Skills:

• Previous experience of undertaking research (e.g., undergraduate or taught master’s dissertation) (E)
• Demonstratable knowledge of sequencing technologies (E)
• Demonstratable knowledge of fungal biology, plant pathology, or microbiology (E)
• Previous research experience in fungal biology, plant pathology, or microbiology (D)
• Experience in computing from the command line (e.g., BASH, Python, Perl, R) (D)
• Practical skills in molecular biology (D)

Personal Attributes:

• Understands the fundamental differences between a taught degree and a research degree in terms of approach and personal discipline/motivation (E)
• Able to, under guidance, complete independent work successfully (E)

Other Requirements:

• This scholarship may require Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) approval for the successful candidate if from outside of the EU/EEA (E)
• The scholarship must commence before February 2025 (E)
• Confirmation that the applicant understands that the successful candidate will receive a contribution to tuition fees equivalent to the university’s Home rate (currently £4,712 per annum), meaning that international applicants will need to pay the remainder of the tuition fees for the duration of their scholarship (currently £16,300 per annum). (E)

Closing date for applications: midnight UTC on 25/10/2024
For further information contact: Dr. Andrew Armitage – A.D.Armitage@greenwich.ac.uk

Making an Application:
Please read this information before making an application. Information on the application process is available at: https://www.gre.ac.uk/research/study/apply/application-process. Applications need to be made online via this link. No other form of application will be considered.

All applications must include the following information. Applications not containing these documents will not be considered:

• Scholarship Reference Number (VCS-FES-NRI-03-23) – included in the personal statement section together with your personal statement as to why you are applying
• A CV including 2 referees
• Academic qualification certificates/transcripts and IELTs/English Language certificate if you are an international applicant or if English is not your first language or you are from a country where English is not the majority spoken language as defined by the UK Border Agency

Before submitting your application, you are encouraged to liaise with the Lead Supervisor on the details above.