At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct groundbreaking research to combat insecticide pollution and protect vital insect populations.
- Company: Join a leading environmental research initiative funded by the Natural Environment Research Council.
- Benefits: Receive a competitive stipend, tuition coverage, and support for research training.
- Other info: Opportunity to collaborate with industry partners and contribute to impactful research outcomes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in environmental conservation while advancing your academic career.
- Qualifications: Must have at least a 2:1 UK BSc or equivalent; passion for environmental science is essential.
The predicted salary is between 19350 - 23650 £ per year.
Insect populations are declining worldwide, and agrochemical pollution is a principal driver. Current insecticide safety assessments underestimate environmental harm because they rely mainly on short-term mortality tests on a few surrogate species, most often honeybees, and overlook sublethal and community-level effects.
The central environmental problem this project will solve is evolutionary: broad-spectrum insecticides - pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, organophosphates, carbamates and diamides - act on molecular targets conserved across the arthropod phylogeny, so pests, pollinators, natural predators and parasitoids share vulnerability through 'toxicity by descent'. This project will deliver a predictive, evolution-informed molecular docking framework that protects beneficial insects by quantifying how sequence and structural divergence in insecticide target proteins translates into differential susceptibility across species.
Key research questions are:
- How does target-site divergence across arthropod phylogenies predict insecticide binding and toxicity?
- Can molecular docking of representative insecticides against structurally modelled target proteins recapitulate documented resistance and species-sensitivity data?
- Can the resulting framework guide selection of chemistries that spare vulnerable nontarget species and reduce environmental pollution?
To answer these questions, the project will compile target-protein sequences for five major insecticide classes across a phylogenetically representative panel of pests and beneficial arthropods, generate and refine structural models using homology modelling and AlphaFold, and run validated molecular docking pipelines against a panel of environmentally relevant insecticides. Predictions will be benchmarked against empirical resistance and sensitivity data from the literature and validated experimentally in Drosophila melanogaster and cell-based assays.
The outcomes are oriented directly to solving an environmental problem: a species-risk prioritisation framework and a cheminformatics tool that enable regulators and industry to identify at-risk species, avoid harmful chemistries and design safer insecticides, informing evidence-based risk assessment under the precautionary principle and contributing to halting insect declines.
The project will run over 3.5 years: Year 1 will focus on phylogenomic data assembly and structural modelling; Year 2 on docking pipeline development and benchmarking; Year 3 on experimental validation and case-study application with the industrial partner; the final six months on integration, thesis writing and dissemination.
Funding notes: This project is offered through the CENTA3 DLA, funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). Funding covers: annual stipend, tuition fees (at home-fee level), Research Training Support Grant.
Academic requirements: at least a 2:1 at UK BSc level or a pass at UK MSc level or equivalent.
Further information: CENTA. International students are eligible for studentships to a maximum of 30% of the cohort. Funding does not cover any additional costs relating to moving or residing in the UK. International applicants must fulfil the international student entry requirements, including English language: University of Birmingham.
References:
- Colbourne et al. 2022. Toxicity by descent: A comparative approach for chemical hazard assessment. Environmental Advances 9: 100287.
- Gandara et al. 2024. Pervasive sublethal effects of agrochemicals on insects at environmentally relevant concentrations. Science 386.
- LaLone et al. 2023. From protein sequence to structure: The next frontier in cross-species extrapolation for chemical safety evaluations. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 42.
- Weston et al 2013. Multiple origins of pyrethroid insecticide resistance across the species complex of a nontarget aquatic crustacean, Hyalella azteca. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 110.
PhD Studentship: CENTA 2027-B06 Combatting Insecticide Pollution: An Evolution-Informed Molecular Docking Framework to Protect Pollinators and Beneficial Insects in Birmingham employer: University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant academic environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee development, the School of Chemistry provides ample opportunities for career advancement and leadership roles, all while being situated in a dynamic city known for its rich cultural heritage and supportive community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Studentship: CENTA 2027-B06 Combatting Insecticide Pollution: An Evolution-Informed Molecular Docking Framework to Protect Pollinators and Beneficial Insects in Birmingham
✨Join Research Communities
Get involved with scientific research communities online, like ResearchGate or even niche forums related to your specific field of interest. These platforms often have internship listings and can put you in touch with researchers who are keen on mentoring interns like you!
✨Attend Conferences and Workshops
Keep an eye out for academic conferences or workshops happening in your area or even virtually. They’re fantastic networking opportunities where you can meet professionals who could help you land that internship you’re after. Plus, you can showcase your enthusiasm and ask about any upcoming openings!
✨Tap into University Resources
Don’t forget to leverage your university’s career services! They often have exclusive internship listings and can connect you with professors who might have research projects needing interns. It's a great way to get your foot in the door while still studying.
✨Pitch Yourself to Labs
Reach out directly to labs or research groups whose work really excites you, like those at University of Birmingham. Even if they don’t have posted internships, a compelling email showing your passion can sometimes lead to hidden opportunities. Show them what you’ve got to offer!
We think you need these skills to ace PhD Studentship: CENTA 2027-B06 Combatting Insecticide Pollution: An Evolution-Informed Molecular Docking Framework to Protect Pollinators and Beneficial Insects in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Research Skills:In the scientific research field, your ability to conduct experiments and analyse data is key. Be sure to highlight any relevant coursework, lab experience or research projects you've been involved in. If you've used specific techniques or software (like Python for data analysis), mention them — they can really make your application shine!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Make sure your CV is tailored to the internship you're applying for at University of Birmingham. Include sections that detail relevant courses, projects, and any lab techniques you’re proficient in. If you've done any work that resulted in tangible outcomes (like publications or presentations), make sure to feature these prominently to showcase your potential!
Passion and Motivation Matter:Your cover letter is a chance to show your enthusiasm for the position and the field. Talk about what drives your interest in scientific research and how this internship at University of Birmingham fits into your career goals. We're looking for passion here, so don’t hold back!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any certifications related to scientific research (like Good Laboratory Practice or safety training), definitely include them! This extra detail can set you apart and demonstrate that you're serious about working in the field. It shows you're prepared and understand the standards required in research settings.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Birmingham
✨Master the Fundamentals
In scientific research, it's crucial to brush up on the basics of your field. Make sure you can discuss core concepts with confidence. We might be quizzed on specific methodologies or experimental designs related to the projects University of Birmingham is involved in, so be prepared to showcase your understanding.
✨Your Passion Matters
As an intern, showing enthusiasm for the research area can set you apart. Make sure to articulate why you're excited about this specific role at University of Birmingham and how it aligns with your learning goals. Your potential to grow and learn is just as important as your current skill set!
✨Soak Up Online Resources
Utilise online resources and journals to familiarise yourself with recent developments in your chosen research area. If University of Birmingham is working on groundbreaking studies, knowing about them can really impress your interviewers and show you've done your homework.
✨Practical Experience Counts
If you have any lab work or relevant projects, prepare to discuss them in detail. Even if it's a class project, understanding the results and what you learned will help demonstrate your practical skills. We can also consider having a digital portfolio ready for specific examples, just in case!
