Watching a fungus fight back: mapping antimicrobial resistance in 3-D as it happens (KOEV_U27DTP)
Key details
- Application Deadline
- 30 November 2026 23:59 UK Time
- Location
- UEA
- Funding Type
- Competition Funded (Home and International)
- Start Date
- 1 October 2027
- Mode of Study
- Full-time
- Programme Type
- PhD
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Project Description
Primary Supervisor - Dr Trey Koev(opens in a new window)
The chemicals that protect our crops and the drugs that treat fungal infections come from the same family. Fungi in the field meet them first — and are arriving in hospitals already resistant. Yet we still do not know what a fungus actually does in the hours after it meets a chemical that does not quite kill it.
We know it fights back. Our recent work shows that within a day of exposure, Aspergillus fumigatus rebuilds its cell wall and rewires its metabolism, then recovers. What we cannot yet see is where this happens. Does the response begin at the outside of the colony, where the chemical arrives first, leaving a sheltered core that survives and regrows? Or does the whole organism respond together?
This project will find out, using a technique developed in our lab that maps chemistry in three dimensions inside living fungal material without cutting it open. You will combine microbiology with cutting-edge magnetic resonance, working across two Norwich Research Park institutes, and help decide where the project goes next.
We welcome applicants from biology, chemistry, physics, or computational backgrounds. No prior NMR experience is required — you will be trained. What matters is curiosity and an interest in working across disciplines.
The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP) is offering fully funded studentships for October 2027 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 the 2nd, 3rd and 4th February 2027.
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 (2026/27 stipend rate: £21,805, and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000pa for each year of the studentship.
References
Salzer HJF. Med Klin Intensivmed Notfmed, 2023; 118: 470–476. Gautam I et al. J Fungi, 2024; 10: 219. Kowalski CH et al. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 2020; 117: 22473–22483. Verweij PE et al. Lancet Infect Dis, 2009; 9: 789–795.