"PhD Studentship: The global impact of fungi in the fight against climate change: Friend or foe?"

University of East Anglia - School of Chemistry, Pharmacy and Pharmacology

Primary Supervisor -Dr Stefan Bidula

Scientific background

Dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) is a stress molecule produced by marine organisms such as phytoplankton, algae, corals, and some plants. It is broken down to the gas dimethyl sulphide (DMS) by marine bacteria, providing the characteristic smell of the sea. However, DMS also has a direct impact on climate change by promoting the formation of climate cooling clouds that reflect the Sun’s rays back into space.

There is growing evidence that fungi can also convert DMSP to DMS but the reasons underlying this are unknown. This has raised some important questions. Did fungi acquire this ability from bacteria by gene transfer, or have fungi evolved mechanisms to degrade DMSP? Is the interaction of fungi with marine plants symbiotic or pathogenic? What impact does this have on the global climate?  The recruited postgraduate researcher (PGR) will be pioneering research understanding this process in marine fungi and assessing the contribution of these understudied organisms to climate change.

Research methodology

The PGR will conduct fieldwork to identify and quantify the abundance of fungi which break down DMSP, or produce DMSP themselves. They will use cutting-edge molecular techniques and generate gene knockouts to identify new enzymes and pathways involved in this process. Finally, the PGR will utilise plant infection models and high-resolution microscopy to determine the impact of DMSP utilisation on fungal colonisation and invasion.

Training

The PGR will join a vibrant and supportive laboratory group with a wide range of experience from master’s to post-doctoral level. They will receive hands-on training in fluorescent microscopy, fungal culture, transcriptomics, next-generation sequencing, molecular microbiology, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and gas chromatography. Advice on scientific communication, writing, and data analytics will be provided. Presentation of data at national and international conferences is encouraged and the PGR will have access to the wider network of the Centre for Microbial Interactions at the University of East Anglia which consists of over 200 researchers studying all Kingdoms of life.

Person specification

We seek an enthusiastic and inquisitive individual with a background in a subject aligned with the Biological Sciences, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, or Genetics.

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).

Acceptable first degree: a subject aligned with the Biological Sciences, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, or Genetics.

Mode of Study

Full-time

Start Date

1 October 2026

Funding Information

ARIES studentships are subject to UKRI terms and conditions. Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a fully-funded studentship, which covers fees, maintenance stipend (£20,780 p.a. for 2025/26) and a research training and support grant (RTSG). A limited number of studentships are available for international applicants, with the difference between 'home' and 'international' fees being waived by the registering university. Please note, however, that ARIES funding does not cover additional costs associated with relocation to, and living in, the UK, such as visa costs or the health surcharge.