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We are recruiting for a Research Technician
We are recruiting for a Research Technician
Starting from: January 2027; Duration: 3 years
Work Pattern: Part Time, 0.6 FTE (more hours may be available on request)
Location: Biology Department, University of York, York, UK. YO10 5DD
A research technician position is available for up to 36 months to study the regulation, mechanisms and impact of a group of viriforms known as Gene Transfer Agents (GTAs). GTAs are descended from viruses that infect bacteria/archaea (bacteriophages), but they have lost the ability to recognize their own genome and instead package and transmit any DNA found in the host cell. As a result, GTAs could play a pivotal role in promoting bacterial adaptability, evolution, and spread of AMR. Their evolutionary significance is underscored by their conservation across alpha-proteobacteria for hundreds of millions of years and their independent, convergent evolution in diverse microbes, including spirochetes, firmicutes, and archaea.
Despite their clear importance, an urgent knowledge gap exists regarding the specific regulatory and mechanistic frameworks that govern GTA activity. This project addresses this gap through a multidisciplinary approach — combining genetic, molecular, structural, and evolutionary methodologies to:
Identify new GTAs in non-model organisms (e.g. in soil, marine, clinical environments)
Understand how they navigate complex environments like biofilms
Predict the impact they have on bacterial genomes and how they provide evolutionary benefits to their hosts.
The job advert is now live on the University of York jobs website. Please get in touch directly if you have any queries, want to discuss the project, or would like feedback on your suitability.
Available PhD Projects
Available PhD Projects
Architects of Resistance: How Viruses and their Descendants Shape Bacterial Evolution
Co-supervisors: Dr Sean Meaden & Dr Hong Gao (Teesside University)
Closing Date for Applications: 6th January 2027; Starting Date: 20th September 2027
Location: Biology Department, University of York, York, UK. YO10 5DD
Bacterial evolution and the rapid spread of antibiotic resistance are pressing threats to global health. If left unchecked, annual deaths linked to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are projected to rise dramatically. A key driver of this phenomenon is Horizontal Gene Transfer (HGT) – the process by which bacteria exchange genetic material, including AMR and virulence genes, throughout populations. While HGT in general is well established, the specific role of viruses and domesticated viral elements remains poorly understood. Here, we aim to unravel the mechanisms underpinning HGT by viruses and virus-like entities such as Gene Transfer Agents (GTAs). GTAs are domesticated viruses that are abundant in many ecological niches, facilitate high frequency gene exchange and drive bacterial genome plasticity.
In this project you will explore how GTAs contribute to bacterial evolution, adaptation, fitness, and the mobilization of resistance genes under environmentally and clinically relevant conditions. The project is highly multidisciplinary, integrating experimental evolution, microbial genetics, molecular biology, bioinformatics, and synthetic biology. You will gain broad experience of a wide range of techniques, which may include advanced biophysical approaches, 'omics analyses, structural biology, super-resolution imaging and flow cytometry.
More details on the Find A PhD Project page. Apply by completing an Expression of Interest form
Understanding a capsid-based paradigm in neuronal intercellular signalling
Primary-supervisor: Dr Sangeeta Chawla; Co-supervisors: Dr Paul Fogg and Prof. Reidun Twarock
Closing Date for Applications: 6th January 2027; Starting Date: 20th September 2027
Location: Biology Department, University of York, York, UK. YO10 5DD
Intercellular communication between neurons is a fundamental property that underlies all neuronal functions from the processing of sensory information to learning and memory. Neurons use electrical and chemical signals to transmit information across synapses. This PhD project investigates the mechanisms and physiological significance of a novel form of intercellular signalling mediated by the neuronal protein Arc. Arc is an activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein that plays a key role in learning and memory through the modification of neuronal connectivity. In mammalian neurons, Arc is known to implement changes in neuronal connections through receptor trafficking and cytoskeletal reorganisation of synaptic structures.
This PhD project will utilise a combination of molecular, biochemical, computational and cellular approaches to investigate mechanistic details of Arc capsid-based intercellular signalling. Focussing on mammalian Arc proteins the project aims to characterise the molecular hallmarks of the Arc-mediated packaging mechanism and its physiological relevance to neuronal signalling.
More details on the Find A PhD Project page. Apply by completing an Expression of Interest form
Deciphering Streptomyces Telomere Replication to Unlock Cryptic Biosynthetic Gene Clusters
Primary-supervisor: Dr Purba Mukherjee; Co-supervisors: Dr Paul Fogg, Dr Indrajit Lahiri (University of Sheffield), & Dr Hong Gao (Teesside University)
Closing Date for Applications: 6th January 2027; Starting Date: 20th September 2027
Location: Chemistry Department, University of York, York, UK. YO10 5DD
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses an escalating global health threat with >39 million deaths projected in the next 25 years. Streptomyces are ubiquitous soil and marine bacteria famed for naturally producing over two-thirds of our antibiotics (e.g., streptomycin, clindamycin) and anticancer drugs (e.g., doxorubicin). In nature, these specialised metabolites shape microbial communities and support plant growth.
Streptomyces are genetically unique: unlike most bacteria with circular chromosomes, they harbor linear DNA, capped by terminal proteins. Crucially, these variable genome ends host the very biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) responsible for their high-value natural products, making the activation of cryptic BGCs a vital strategy for next-generation antimicrobials discovery. This project will unravel the fundamental biology of Streptomyces telomeres and probe how chromosome end maintenance intersects with BGC transcriptional regulation.
More details on the Find A PhD Project page. Apply by completing an Expression of Interest form
Exploring Host-Microbe Interactions during Aged Skin Barrier Repair
Primary-supervisor: Dr Holly Wilkinson (University of Hull); Co-supervisors: Dr Paul Fogg &
Prof. Matthew Hardman (University of Hull),
Closing Date for Applications: 6th January 2027; Starting Date: 20th September 2027
Location: Wound Innovation Institute, University of Hull, Hull, UK.
This CASE studentship is part of an interdisciplinary programme of work supervised by Dr Holly Wilkinson within our new £48M Wound Innovation Institute, providing brand new laboratory facilities and state-of-the-art technologies for your PhD project. You will work at the forefront of the research field, investigating the role of host-microbe interactions during skin ageing. This important research will address a key challenge faced by our rapidly ageing population, who are increasingly at risk of developing antimicrobial resistant infections and non-healing wounds.
This PhD project will provide an exciting opportunity to investigate the biological drivers of skin ageing by combining spatial transcriptomic imaging with cutting-edge human skin microbiome models. You will explore how host-microbe interactions contribute to ageing using our established biobank of human skin microbes. This project will offer extensive training in highly sought-after techniques, and a placement with our industrial partner, providing sought-after industry skills that will position you as a future research leader at the academic-industry interface.
More details on the Find A PhD Project page. Apply by completing an Expression of Interest form
Self Funded Masters and PhD Applications are Welcome
If you interested in applying, please get in touch directly to discuss potential projects before submitting applications to the University Programme
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