EASTBIO PhD: Evolutionary Ecology of Bacterial Plasmids

Laplace Apply; Aberdeen City; Hybrid; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Aberdeen offers a EASTBIO PhD in Evolutionary Ecology of Bacterial Plasmids in Aberdeen. The project focuses on which functions plasmids carry relative to host chromosomes and how plasmid size, prevalence, host phylogeny and ecological niche affect those functions.

Applicants should have a strong background in microbiology, evolutionary biology or computational genomics, with skills in Python/R and Linux being desirable.

Qualifications

• UK 2:1 honours degree or equivalent (2:2 may be considered with Master’s distinction).
• Desirable: experience with prokaryotic genome assembly, pan-genomics, phylogenetic statistics, and bioinformatics.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to computational analyses of plasmid functions across host genomes.
• Apply phylogenetic statistics and pan-genomics to compare environments.

Skills

Prokaryotic genome assembly

Genome annotation

Pan-genomics

Phylogenetic statistics

Bioinformatics

Python

R

Linux

Education

UK 2:1 honours degree or equivalent

2:2 may be considered with distinction/commendation at master’s level

Tools

Python

R

Linux

Job description

EASTBIO PhD: Evolutionary Ecology of Bacterial Plasmids

University of Aberdeen

United Kingdom

Apply by 16 Nov 2026

About This Opportunity

University of Aberdeen offers eastbio phd: evolutionary ecology of bacterial plasmids in Aberdeen. The specific focus is this computational project asks which functions plasmids carry relative to host chromosomes, and how plasmid size, prevalence, host phylogeny and ecological niche affect those functions.

This computational project asks which functions plasmids carry relative to host chromosomes, and how plasmid size, prevalence, host phylogeny and ecological niche affect those functions. Analyses will distinguish multi-species plasmids from species-specific plasmids and test trait distribution across environments. The advertised activities and techniques include prokaryotic genome assembly and annotation, pan-genomics, phylogenetic statistics, bioinformatics, Python/R/Linux desirable.

Who This Opportunity Is Best Suited For:

Based on the documented research scope, this may particularly suit microbiology, evolutionary biology and computational genomics applicants with interest in mobile genetic elements.

Potential Challenges / Who May Find It Less Suitable:

EASTBIO award is competitive; coding experience desirable rather than essential; one-project limit and international funding exclusions apply.

Overall Opportunity Assessment:

The advertised work connects prokaryotic genome assembly and annotation, pan-genomics, phylogenetic statistics, bioinformatics, Python/R/Linux desirable. Its distinguishing purpose is this computational project asks which functions plasmids carry relative to host chromosomes, and how plasmid size, prevalence, host phylogeny and ecological niche affect those functions. Applicants should assess the documented academic and practical constraints before proceeding.

prokaryotic genome assembly and annotation pan-genomics phylogenetic statistics bioinformatics Python/R/Linux desirable

Level

PhD

Duration

4 years

Programme

EASTBIO BBSRC Doctoral Training Partnership

Organization Type

University

Funding & Compensation

Amount Scholarship

Funding Type Scholarship

Requirements

Education

At least a UK 2:1 honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject; 2:2 may be considered with distinction/commendation at master’s level.

Experience

Technical Skills prokaryotic genome assembly and annotation pan-genomics phylogenetic statistics bioinformatics Python/R/Linux desirable

General Skills

Languages

UKRI/EASTBIO funding requirements apply; international entrants are subject to a 30% cap and must fund visa and health surcharge costs.