PhD Opportunities

The Kourelis lab is dedicated to addressing fundamental questions in plant-microbe interactions, particularly focusing on the function and evolution of immune receptors. We are deeply interested in understanding how these receptors work and how they have evolved over time, with the ultimate goal of using this knowledge to bioengineer disease resistance genes that are specifically tailored to meet diverse challenges (see Kourelis et al., 2023 and Marchal et al., 2022). To pursue these objectives, we employ a unique interdisciplinary approach that combines bioinformatics and evolutionary biology with technical expertise in synthetic biology. 

The PhD project, funded by a Royal Society University Research Fellowship (URF), focuses on discovering how pathogen effectors interact with plant NLR (nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat) immune receptors. This research presents an exciting prospect for candidates to expand their skillset within a multidisciplinary research setting, combining computational approaches with experimental validation. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with advanced techniques including structural prediction tools, high-throughput screening assays, and biochemical characterization of protein complexes. This work will be conducted in a dynamic and supportive research environment, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and a network of international collaborators. 

The PhD project will offer comprehensive training in computational biology, biochemistry, and plant-pathogen interactions, preparing the candidate not only for the successful completion of their PhD, but also for a competitive edge in their future career in academia or industry. 

We are seeking a final year undergraduate or Master's student who is driven by curiosity and fascinated by molecular mechanisms. The ideal candidate will possess basic molecular biology and biochemistry lab skills. However, instead of specific expertise, we are searching for individuals with the right mindset. We value individuals who approach scientific exploration with an open and inquisitive attitude, and who are excited by the prospect of tackling complex biological questions with potential real-world impact. 

For more details on the project and the lab, candidates can directly contact me: j.kourelis@imperial.ac.uk 

Technical Details 

• Deadline: Tuesday February 10th 

• Application materials: CV, personal statement, and contact details of two referees should be sent directly to j.kourelis@imperial.ac.uk 

• Funding: Studentships will be funded for 48 months with an annual tax-free maintenance stipend currently at £21,237 (rising annually by an amount linked to inflation) 

• Eligibility: Candidates must be UK nationals (EU candidates with settled status in the UK may be considered). International students are not eligible. 

Requirements 

• Applicants must hold (or expect to obtain) at least an Upper Second Class Honours (2:1) degree in a biological or related science 

• Candidates with a master's degree in addition to a BSc may be given preference 

• Applicants must qualify for home fee status 

The Kourelis lab is dedicated to addressing fundamental questions in plant-microbe interactions, particularly focusing on the function and evolution of immune receptors. We are deeply interested in understanding how these receptors work and how they have evolved over time, with the ultimate goal of using this knowledge to bioengineer disease resistance genes that are specifically tailored to meet diverse challenges (see Kourelis et al., 2023 and Marchal et al., 2022). To pursue these objectives, we employ a unique interdisciplinary approach that combines bioinformatics and evolutionary biology with technical expertise in synthetic biology. 

The PhD project, funded by a European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant, focuses on the bioengineering of plant NLR (nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat) immune receptors to enhance disease resistance in crops. This research presents an exciting prospect for candidates to expand their skillset within a multidisciplinary research setting, utilizing cutting-edge technologies that integrate protein biochemistry and synthetic biology. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with advanced techniques including Gibson Assembly and Golden Gate cloning for receptor engineering, high-throughput functional characterization of bioengineered immune receptors, and CRISPR genome editing. This work will be conducted in a dynamic and supportive research environment, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and a network of international collaborators. 

The PhD project will offer comprehensive training in synthetic biology techniques, biochemistry, and plant-pathogen interactions, preparing the candidate not only for the successful completion of their PhD, but also for a competitive edge in their future career in academia or industry. 

We are seeking a final year undergraduate or Master's student who is driven by curiosity and fascinated by molecular mechanisms. The ideal candidate will possess basic molecular biology and biochemistry lab skills. However, instead of specific expertise, we are searching for individuals with the right mindset. We value individuals who approach scientific exploration with an open and inquisitive attitude, and who are excited by the prospect of tackling complex biological questions with potential real-world impact. 

For more details on the project and the lab, candidates can directly contact me: j.kourelis@imperial.ac.uk 

Technical Details 

• Deadline: Tuesday February 10th 

• Application materials: CV, personal statement, and contact details of two referees should be sent directly to j.kourelis@imperial.ac.uk 

• Funding: Studentships will be funded for 48 months with an annual tax-free maintenance stipend currently at £21,237 (rising annually by an amount linked to inflation) 

• Eligibility: Candidates must be UK nationals (EU candidates with settled status in the UK may be considered). International students are not eligible. 

Requirements 

• Applicants must hold (or expect to obtain) at least an Upper Second Class Honours (2:1) degree in a biological or related science 

• Candidates with a master's degree in addition to a BSc may be given preference 

• Applicants must qualify for home fee status