PhD to Work on Bioengineered Phage Capsids for Precision Control of Plant Microbiomes
The aim of this PhD project is to develop a modular phage capsid platform capable of targeted delivery of bioactive molecules to plant-associated microbial communities. The project moves beyond traditional single-strain approaches toward top-down microbiome control, enabling deliberate and programmable manipulation of microbial community structure and function.
Engineered capsids will be evaluated first in simplified microbial systems and subsequently in plant-relevant microbial communities to assess how targeted delivery reshapes community behaviour and functional outcomes related to plant health.
Microbial communities play a decisive role in plant health, agricultural productivity, and environmental sustainability. They regulate nutrient cycling, protect plants from disease, and help crops tolerate environmental stress.
Classes of Bioactive Cargo
The engineered capsid platform will be functionalised with three broad categories of bioactive cargo:
- Microbiome modulators that promote beneficial microbial communities and enhance plant resilience
- Targeted antimicrobial or deterrent cargos selectively deployed against harmful or pest-associated microbes
- Biologically derived effectors, including plant- or microbe-associated gene products that transiently confer protective or regulatory functions
This modular design enables precise spatial, temporal, and quantitative control of biological activity within microbial ecosystems.
High-Reward Research Extension
As an exploratory extension, the project will investigate whether engineered bacteriophage capsids can deliver DNA to plant cells. Inspired by phage-based delivery systems in mammalian cells, this work will explore whether capsids modified with plant-localising ligands or cell-penetrating peptides can associate with and enter plant cell lines, despite the physical barrier imposed by the plant cell wall.
Demonstrating even limited DNA delivery and transient gene expression would highlight the platform’s broader versatility and open new avenues for non-permanent modulation of plant traits.
Training Environment
This project is embedded within the CODE-M Microbial Bioengineering Programme and directly addresses its core scientific themes:
- Bottom-up design of bioengineered systems
- Top-down control of microbial communities
- Development of disruptive microbial bioengineering technologies
The PhD candidate will receive training in cutting-edge synthetic biology, microbiome engineering, and translational research, preparing them for careers in academia, biotechnology, sustainable agriculture, or environmental innovation.
Requirements
- A degree in a relevant subject area (e.g., biology, microbiology, biotechnology, bioengineering)
- Research experience in molecular biology, synthetic biology, or microbial engineering is desirable.
How to Apply
- Candidates must contact the primary supervisor before applying to discuss project suitability
- Apply via the online application portal and select BBSRC DFA PhD Programme as the programme of study
- Applicants may apply for up to two projects within this scheme by submitting a single application listing both project titles and supervisors
- Submit documents: urriculum Vitae (CV)
- Supporting Statement
- Academic Certificates and Transcripts
For more phage-related PhD opportunities, click here
Note: This job was originally curated by https://thephage.xyz/jobs
