Fixed-term

Details Cutting-edge research is highlighting how important the human microbiome is for health. As fundamental science characterizing the complex functions and processes of microbes emerges, many opportunities for microbiome-targeted therapeutics are being presented. Numerous diseases could be prevented and treated through targeted delivery of small molecules, biologics, or probiotics to the human microbiome. Diseases that have been linked with the gut microbiome include cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, colon cancer, Parkinson’s disease, autism spectrum disorder, and depression. This PhD project will focus on developing new medicines targeted at the gut microbiome. The successful applicant will receive training in all relevant areas of the project, including the use of machine learning to streamline and enhance the impact of laboratory results. Upon starting, the PhD candidate will join a world-renowned research group, supervised by Professor Abdul W. Basit, with multiple decades of academic and commercial experience in microbiome medicine. The project will be based at University College London (UCL), a top 10 University in the 2026 QS World Rankings, within the vibrant and welcoming School of Pharmacy. During their project, the PhD researcher will have access to gold-standard facilities and resources, with strong mentorship, support, and frequent career development opportunities. The project will also involve collaborations with international academic and industry partners, as well as interdisciplinary teams including pharmacists, data scientists and engineers. Applications Applicants should be enthusiastic about research and be keen to work on the development of novel microbiome-targeted medicines. The ideal candidate should have (or expect to achieve) a bachelor’s degree or relevant master’s qualification in Pharmacy, Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, Biology, Engineering or a related discipline. Prior lab experience and Data Science knowledge will be valued. A good level of spoken and written English is essential. Applications are welcomed from both UK and overseas candidates. To apply, please send a CV and cover letter to a.basit@ucl.ac.uk.

Details Cell motility is a fundamental biological property that underlies important processes such as development, immunity and cancer progression. Motility is energetically costly, yet how cell migration is affected by mitochondrial function, the generator of cellular energy, and in turn by the interaction between mitochondrially and nuclearly encoded parts of the mitochondrial machinery is essentially unknown. This PhD will harness the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster as a powerful model to address this question. Combining established experimental paradigms to study cell motility and the ability to generate specific mito-nuclear genotypes in flies, we will assess how compromised mito-nuclear interactions affects cell motility, how these effects are linked to changes in the cells’ energy metabolism and how they shape whole-organism phenotypes such as the immune response. Building on evolutionary principles this work will address fundamental questions in health and disease and open important new avenues for future research. The project will involve Drosophila genetics, microscopy and computational image analysis. The work will be supervised by Max Reuter, Nick Lane and Florencia Camus at the Research Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment at UCL, in collaboration with Anna Franz (UCL Cell and Developmental Biology), Brian Stramer (King’s College London) and Michael Sixt (Institute for Science and Technology, Vienna, Austria). We are looking for candidates with curiosity, ambition and an interest in basic research. We would expect candidates to have an undergraduate or Masters degree in biology, biomedical sciences or other relevant fields. Prior experience in Drosophila and/or microscopy is useful, but not essential. The studentship is funded by the Evolution Education Trust, including a 4-year stipend at the standard rate and funds for consumables and travel. Please note that the studentship is only available to UK home students (UK citizens and those with pre-/settled status). To apply, please sent a CV, cover letter and details of at least two referees to Max Reuter (m.reuter@ucl.ac.uk). There is no strict application deadline, we will review applications and continue to do so until the post is filled.  

Details Pathogen genomics provides a powerful framework for studying evolutionary processes through time. Yet for many pathogens that have profoundly influenced human and animal health, genomic data remain largely confined to contemporary isolates, limiting our ability to understand how present-day populations emerged and responded to past selective pressures. Medical collections, public health archives, and museum specimens preserve an underexplored record of historical infections spanning periods before the widespread introduction of antibiotics, vaccines, and modern disease control measures. These archives provide a unique opportunity to investigate pathogen evolution across changing selective environments and to address evolutionary questions that cannot be resolved using modern genomes alone. This PhD project will apply ancient DNA approaches to recover pathogen genomes from clinical and veterinary specimens spanning the past two centuries. By generating genomic data from archived slides, biopsies, and other historical specimens, the project will establish temporal genomic datasets that bridge critical transitions in the history of infectious disease control. These data will enable direct comparisons of pathogen populations before and after major medical interventions, allowing the reconstruction of transmission and demographic histories, estimation of long-term evolutionary rates, and identification of the selective pressures associated with adaptation, virulence, and antimicrobial resistance. The studentship also offers substantial opportunities for public engagement through collaborations with partner museums and heritage collections, highlighting the continuing relevance of historical archives to contemporary genomics and public health. Objectives The successful candidate will contribute to the following aims: Recover and sequence historical pathogen genomes. Apply state-of-the-art ancient DNA extraction and sequencing methods to degraded archival specimens, with strategic sampling across pre- and post-antibiotic and vaccine eras. Reconstruct evolutionary histories. Integrate recovered genomes into phylogenetic frameworks to quantify transmission dynamics, lineage turnover, and pathogen adaptation over decades to centuries. Investigate long-term evolutionary change. Analyse genomic data to identify shifts in evolutionary rates, resistance mechanisms, and virulence-associated variation across major transitions in medical treatment and public health practice. Training environment and skillset The project combines laboratory-based ancient DNA work with computational analyses including comparative genomics, phylogenetics, population genetics, and molecular evolution. The student will join a friendly, collaborative, and multidisciplinary research environment in UCL Genetics Institute with access to dedicated ancient DNA facilities, museum collections, and an extensive engagement network. Applicants with expertise or strong interests in any of the following areas are encouraged to apply: Ancient DNA Microbial genomics Phylogenomics Population genetics Molecular evolution Bioinformatics Evaluation Interested candidates should contact Lucy van Dorp (lucy.dorp.12@ucl.ac.uk). To apply please submit a single PDF containing: Curriculum vitae A short supporting statement (<500 words) describing your research interests and relevant experience Contact details for two academic referees There is no strict application deadline, we will review applications from 27th July 2026 and continue to do so until the post is filled. Funding Notes The 3-year PhD studentship is supported by the Evolution Education Trust. Eligibility is restricted to applicants who qualify for UK home fee status (including UK citizens and those with settled or pre-settled status). In addition to the stipend and tuition support, substantial funding is available for laboratory reagents, genome sequencing, training opportunities, and attendance at national and international conferences.

Project start date: 31 August 2026 Location: Imperial College London, United Kingdom, with collaboration with USDA APHIS PPQ Science and Technology, IMMDL, Texas, USA, and the University of California San Diego, USA Funding for: UK students Funding amount: Fully funded by USDA. The studentship will cover fees and stipend at UKRI rates. For the academic year 2026–27, the stipend rate is £23,805 Deadline for application: To be confirmed Interviews: 22 July 2026 Informal enquiries: a.meccariello@imperial.ac.uk | https://meccariello-lab.co.uk Project summary The Mexican fruit fly, Anastrepha ludens (Mexfly), is an important invasive agricultural pest and a priority target for the development of precise, species-specific and environmentally responsible control strategies in the United States. This fully funded PhD studentship will be embedded in a collaborative programme between the Meccariello Lab at Imperial College London and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), with additional scientific collaboration from the Akbari Lab at the University of California San Diego. The project will focus on developing and validating heat-inducible CRISPR-based genetic control tools for Mexfly. By combining insect genetics, transgenesis, functional genomics and molecular biology, the student will investigate systems that allow spatial and temporal control over genome editing activity. This is a key requirement for the development of safer and more controllable genetic technologies for pest management. The research will build on ongoing collaboration between USDA and the Meccariello Lab to identify and develop new genetic approaches for controlling this invasive species. The longer-term goal is to generate and characterise genetic systems that can contribute to targeted population suppression, including dominant male sterilisation approaches, under appropriate containment, biosafety and regulatory frameworks. The studentship The PhD project will have the following objectives: Develop a heat-inducible CRISPR toolkit in Anastrepha ludens by testing heat-responsive regulatory elements and temperature-responsive CRISPR systems. Generate and characterise transgenic Mexfly lines carrying Cas12a-based and heat-inducible Cas9-based genome editing components. Optimise heat-shock induction protocols across developmental stages and evaluate editing efficiency, mutation rates, inheritance patterns and fitness-related traits. Identify and test genetic targets associated with male sterility to support the development of CRISPR-based population suppression strategies. Assess the performance of the most promising strains in confined laboratory cage trials to evaluate their potential for Mexfly control. The student will receive comprehensive training in molecular biology, insect genetics, CRISPR genome engineering, transgenesis, insect rearing, fluorescence microscopy, phenotypic assays, sequencing-based analyses and applied genetic biocontrol. The project will also provide experience in collaborative research at the interface between academic science and government-led pest management programmes. USDA-funded collaborative programme This is a fully funded PhD studentship supported by the USDA. The project will be supervised at Imperial College London by Assistant Professor Angela Meccariello and will be developed in close collaboration with USDA APHIS Plant Protection and Quarantine, Science and Technology, through the Insect Management and Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory (IMMDL) in Texas. The collaboration with USDA will ensure that the project remains focused on a real-world agricultural pest management challenge: the development of new control technologies for Mexfly. The student will benefit from regular project meetings, data sharing and joint scientific input from USDA and UC San Diego collaborators. Subject to feasibility, funding, visa and institutional approvals, the student may have opportunities to interact with or visit external partner laboratories. Project supervisors Internal supervisor: Assistant Professor Angela Meccariello, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London External supervisor: Evan Braswell, Ph.D., Biological Scientist, USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Plant Protection and Quarantine, Science and Technology, Insect Management and Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory (IMMDL), Texas, USA External project supervisor/collaborator: Professor Omar S. Akbari, Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, USA The candidate We are seeking a graduate (BSc, MSc or equivalent) with a strong interest in insect biology, molecular genetics, biotechnology and sustainable pest control. The ideal candidate will be curious, rigorous, highly motivated and comfortable working in an interdisciplinary environment involving academic and government partners. This position is open to UK candidates, subject to eligibility. Essential skills/attributes Applicants must hold, or expect to obtain, an Upper Second (2:1) or First Class Honours degree, or international equivalent, in a biological or related science. Candidates with a Master’s degree in addition to a BSc may be given preference. Ability to conduct laboratory work, insect handling/rearing and computer-based analyses. Strong interest in molecular biology, genetics, insect biotechnology, CRISPR/genome editing and/or sustainable agricultural pest management. Commitment to following containment, biosafety and regulatory procedures for work involving genetically modified insects. Applicants must meet Imperial College London’s higher-level English language requirements. Desirable skills/attributes Experience with molecular biology techniques, cloning, CRISPR/genome editing, transgenesis, embryo microinjection, fluorescence microscopy, insect rearing and/or bioinformatics will be considered an advantage. Experience working with sequencing datasets, gene sequence analysis, RNA-seq or functional genomics would be beneficial. Interest in applied research, pest management, translational science and international collaboration. Eligibility and willingness to travel to the USA for collaborative activities, if required and approved, would be advantageous. How to apply Please send a CV, personal statement and contact details of two referees directly to a.meccariello@imperial.ac.uk by the application deadline, which is to be confirmed. Interviews will be held on 22 July 2026. The successful candidate is expected to start the PhD on 31 August 2026. After the interview, the successful candidate will need to register as a postgraduate student at Imperial College London. Terms and conditions The studentship will cover home fees and stipend at UKRI rates, subject to institutional regulations and funder eligibility requirements. For the academic year 2026–27, the stipend rate is £23,805. Research costs will be covered subject to project approval, institutional regulations and USDA funding conditions. Informal enquiries Informal enquiries about this fully funded USDA PhD studentship can be sent to a.meccariello@imperial.ac.uk. Further information about the Meccariello Lab is available at https://meccariello-lab.co.uk.

Programme type: Co-funded PhD Studentship – industry co-funded with Agragene Inc. and the Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London. Project start date: 5 October 2026 Location: Imperial College London, Department of Life Sciences, London, United Kingdom. Subject to feasibility, the student may undertake short visits or placements at Agragene facilities. Meccariello Lab website: https://meccariello-lab.co.uk Agragene Inc. website: https://www.agragene.com Funding for: UK students Funding amount: Fees and stipend at UKRI rates. For the academic year 2026-27, the stipend rate is £23,805 (Including London allowance). This funding amount typically increases with inflation each academic year. Funding model: Co-funded studentship: 50% Agragene Inc. industry contribution and 50% DoLS/Department contribution. Duration: 3 years full-time, subject to institutional regulations Deadline for application: To be confirmed Interviews: Between 27 July and 7 August 2026 Project Title Developing an optimized pgSIT system to control important agricultural insect pests Project summary This is a co-funded industry PhD studentship embedded in a collaborative partnership between Imperial College London and Agragene Inc., the company holding the pgSIT patent and leading its commercial development. Agricultural insect pests cause major crop losses worldwide and place pressure on food security. New, species-specific and environmentally sustainable control strategies are urgently needed to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides and improve the resilience of agricultural systems. The Precision-Guided Sterile Insect Technique (pgSIT) is an emerging CRISPR-based technology designed to generate sterile male insects through the simultaneous disruption of key fertility and sex-determination genes. This approach offers a targeted alternative to chemical pesticides for the suppression of agricultural insect pests. Despite its promise, the efficiency, scalability and robustness of pgSIT systems require further optimisation before they can be deployed across diverse pest species and real-world agricultural settings. This project will improve pgSIT performance by refining CRISPR construct design, enhancing promoter specificity, and identifying gene targets that maximise sterility and male bias while minimising fitness costs. Using state-of-the-art functional genomics, transgenesis and molecular tools, the project will evaluate the genetic and physiological effects of pgSIT components in selected model and applied pest species. It will also explore engineering strategies to increase transgene stability, improve egg-to-adult penetrance of the pgSIT phenotype, and facilitate scaling for mass-rearing. The studentship The PhD project will have the following objectives: 1. Optimise pgSIT genetic construct design for selected model and applied agricultural insect pest species; 2. Identify promoter and gene-target combinations that maximise sterility, male bias and egg-to-adult penetrance while minimising fitness costs; 3. Evaluate the genetic, physiological and developmental effects of pgSIT components using functional genomics, transgenesis and molecular tools; 4. Develop engineering strategies to improve transgene stability and support scalable mass-rearing and applied deployment of pgSIT systems. Co-funded industry partnership This studentship will be conducted in partnership with Agragene Inc., the industrial partner and patent holder for pgSIT technology. Agragene will contribute strategic expertise in intellectual property, product development, regulatory requirements and commercial pathways. Research activities will be primarily based at Imperial College London, within the Department of Life Sciences. Regular meetings, data-sharing activities and joint project reviews will ensure alignment between academic innovation and Agragene’s translational and commercial objectives. Subject to feasibility, the student may undertake short visits or placements at Agragene facilities to gain exposure to applied R&D, product optimisation and commercialisation processes. The project therefore offers a strong science-to-application pathway and substantial experience at the academic-industry interface. Training and career development The PhD will provide comprehensive training in molecular biology, insect genetics, CRISPR engineering, functional genomics, transgenesis, microscopy, data analysis and applied genetic biocontrol. The industrial co-funding arrangement will also provide exposure to commercialisation processes, regulatory considerations, product development, intellectual property management and translational research strategy. This combination of academic and industry-relevant training will prepare the candidate for the successful completion of their PhD and provide a competitive foundation for future careers in academia, biotechnology, agricultural technology or industry R&D. Project supervisors Primary supervisor: Assistant Professor Angela Meccariello, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London Academic co-supervisor: Professor Tolga Bozkurt, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London External / industrial supervisor: Dr Stephanie Gamez, PhD, Agragene’s Director of R&D stephanie.gamez@agragene.com The candidate We are seeking a graduate (BSc, MSc or equivalent) who is motivated by cross-cutting themes in biology, biotechnology and sustainable agricultural pest control. The ideal candidate will have strong curiosity, attention to detail and an interest in molecular approaches to applied genetic biocontrol. This position is open to UK home candidates. International candidates are not eligible to apply. Essential skills/attributes Applicants must hold, or expect to obtain, an Upper Second (2:1) or First Class Honours degree, or international equivalent, in a biological or related science. Candidates with a Master’s degree in addition to a BSc may be given preference. Ability to conduct laboratory work and computer-based analyses. Interest in molecular biology, genetics, biotechnology, insect biology and/or sustainable pest management. Applicants must meet Imperial College London’s higher-level English language requirements. Desirable skills/attributes Experience with molecular biology techniques, CRISPR/genome editing, transgenesis, functional genomics, insect rearing, microscopy and/or bioinformatics will be considered an advantage. Interest in translational research and working with an industrial partner. Experience handling biological data, sequencing datasets or plasmid/gene sequence analysis would be beneficial. How to apply Please send a CV, personal statement and contact details of two referees directly to a.meccariello@imperial.ac.uk by the application deadline, which is to be confirmed. Interviews will be held between 27 July and 7 August 2026. After the interview, the successful candidate will need to register as a postgraduate student at Imperial College London. Terms and conditions The studentship will cover home fees and stipend at UKRI rates for a maximum of three years full-time, subject to institutional regulations. For the academic year 2026-27, the stipend rate is £23,805. The funding amount typically increases with inflation each academic year. Informal enquiries Informal enquiries about this co-funded industry PhD studentship can be sent to a.meccariello@imperial.ac.uk. Further information about the lab is available at https://meccariello-lab.co.uk. Developing heat-inducible CR

About the role We are seeking to appoint a Laboratory and Insectary Technician to support the Translation Research and Training Facility (TRTF) at Imperial College London’s Silwood Park Campus. The TRTF is a £5m state‑of‑the‑art facility supporting the Target Malaria programme, an international not‑for‑profit research consortium developing genetic technologies to control malaria vector mosquitoes. This is a hands‑on technical role providing essential support to laboratory and insectary operations within a regulated research environment. Working under the supervision of senior technical staff, you will carry out routine, well‑established procedures to support insectary activities, laboratory experiments and molecular assays. The role contributes directly to the smooth day‑to‑day operation of the facilities while ensuring compliance with health, safety, biosafety and quality management requirements. The post is delivery‑focused and operational in nature, requiring accuracy, reliability and a strong commitment to maintaining high standards in laboratory and insectary practice. What you would be doing You will support the day‑to‑day operation of the insectary and laboratory facilities by carrying out routine procedures in accordance with established protocols and standard operating procedures. This will include supporting the rearing, maintenance, and monitoring of wild-type and genetically modified mosquito colonies; preparing samples, reagents, and consumables; and assisting with laboratory experiments, such as molecular diagnostic assays and fertility and phenotype assessments, under guidance. You will contribute to maintaining clean, organised and compliant working environments by participating in cleaning, washing and maintenance rotas, and will support accurate record-keeping by completing laboratory and insectary logbooks. The role also involves monitoring consumable stocks, supporting ordering processes, and reporting equipment or maintenance issues to senior staff. You will work closely with researchers and senior technicians, communicating progress and issues appropriately, and may support the induction and training of students or new staff in routine procedures under supervision. What we are looking for You will hold a Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent qualification, in a biological or life sciences discipline and have experience working in a laboratory and/or insectary environment. You will have practical experience with routine molecular biology techniques, such as DNA extraction and PCR, as well as with insect rearing, maintenance, or manipulation. You will be able to follow established protocols accurately, maintain high‑quality records, and work effectively within a regulated environment. Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team are essential for this role. Experience working within quality‑managed or regulated facilities would be advantageous, but is not essential. What we can offer you Imperial College London is consistently ranked among the world’s leading universities and offers a collaborative, inclusive and dynamic working environment. You will join an organisation committed to tackling global challenges through world‑leading research and innovation. Imperial offers a competitive salary, a generous pension scheme, and access to a wide range of staff benefits, including opportunities for training, professional development and career progression. Further information Target Malaria targetmalaria.org is a not-for-profit research consortium that aims to develop and share new, cost-effective and sustainable genetic technologies to modify mosquitoes and reduce malaria transmission. This is a full-time post (35 hours per week). This role is for a fixed-term contract until 31 December 2029. If you require any further details about the role, please contact: Carla Siniscalchi – c.siniscalchi@imperial.ac.uk          Available documents Attached documents are available under links. Clicking a document link will initialize its download. download: Employee Benefits Booklet – V.2026.pdf download: Job Description Research Technician.pdf Apply Now