Project description

Conjugative plasmids play a crucial role in bacterial evolution as drivers of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) and as a source of new genetic information. This project will provide insights into a crucial but largely unstudied aspect of plasmid biology and bacterial decision-making. Specifically, how and why do plasmid-borne regulatory genes influence bacterial behaviour?

In this project the student will use a combination of molecular genetics, biochemistry and plant-interaction experiments to investigate a set of plasmid-encoded transcriptional regulators that subvert ecologically important phenotypes in the plant-growth promoting bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens. Plasmid regulators studied to date exert major effects on bacterial fitness and conjugation efficiency. However, the functions of most plasmid regulatory genes, their distribution and abundance in naturally occurring plasmids, and the extent to which plasmid regulators control the spread of genetic material through complex microbial communities are currently unknown.

The project will ultimately lead to a molecular-level understanding of plasmid regulation and its role in controlling plasmid maintenance and HGT in complex microbial communities. Plasmid regulatory genes are widespread among divergent plasmids in a wide range of bacterial hosts, suggesting that these genes may control bacterial lifestyle, evolution and HGT in a range of medical and agricultural settings.

The student will be hosted at the internationally recognised John Innes Centre, providing cutting-edge research facilities and a stimulating research and training environment alongside world-leading scientists in the fields of molecular microbiology and plant-microbe interactions. They will be part of a friendly, collaborative research team and will gain excellent training in molecular biology, biochemistry and plant-microbe interaction techniques. The combination of transferrable, technical skills associated with the project will make the successful candidate highly employable, in industry or academia.

The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP) is offering fully funded studentships for October 2026 entry. The programme offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP students undertake a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS) during their study. The placement offers exciting and invaluable work experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team.

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 3,4 or 5 February 2026.

Visit our website for further information on eligibility and how to apply: https://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk/.

Our partners value diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background.

To maximise accessibility and attract students from underrepresented groups to our programme we have introduced bespoke templates for applicant Personal and Research statements which will enable every applicant to fully represent themselves through providing suitable examples and evidence. These forms are on the NRPDTP website and must be used for these sections of the application form.

Entry requirements

At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1. English Language requirement (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category).

Funding

This project is awarded with a 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD DTP studentship. The studentship includes payment of tuition fees (directly to the University), a stipend to cover living expenses (2025/6 stipend rate: £20,780), and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000pa for each year of the studentship.

References

Plasmids manipulate bacterial behaviour through translational regulatory crosstalk

C Thompson, J Hall, …& JG Malone, PLoS Biology (2023) 21 (2), e3001988

Compensatory mutations reducing the fitness cost of plasmid carriage occur in plant rhizosphere communities

SM Bird, S Ford, ... JG Malone…& MA Brockhurst FEMS Microbiology Ecology (2023) 99 (4), fiad027

Mechanisms of Plasmid Behavioral Manipulation

JG Malone & CMA Thompson DNA and Cell Biology (2024) 43 (3), 105-107

How do plasmid-borne regulatory genes influence bacterial behaviour in complex communities? (MALONE_J26DTP)

Project description

Entry requirements

Funding

References