PhD Studentship: Engineering the Microenvironment to Curb Antifungal Resistance and Limit Fungal Infections

Supervisors:

Dr. Duygu Dikicioglu

Prof. Eli Keshavarz-Moore

Abstract:

Antifungal resistance is a growing and under-recognised global health threat. Fungal infections affect over a billion people annually, with life-threatening consequences for immunocompromised individuals. With few antifungal drugs available and resistance on the rise, this project explores a novel strategy: engineering the fungal microenvironment to weaken resistance mechanisms and enhance the efficacy of existing treatments. By manipulating stress responses in fungi such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Aspergillus nidulans, the project aims to “trick” resistant strains into becoming drug-sensitive. This interdisciplinary research combines synthetic biology, molecular biology, and biochemical engineering to pioneer sustainable, non-pharmacological antifungal therapies.

Approach and Methods:

• Develop and optimise laboratory models of fungal growth and resistance.
• Investigate how environmental stress factors (e.g. osmotic and nutrient stress) alter resistance mechanisms.
• Use high-throughput screening and biofilm models to identify conditions that reduce multidrug resistance (MDR).
• Build a systems-level understanding of how these mechanisms could be applied in biotechnology, healthcare, and environmental contexts.
• Employ synthetic and molecular biology tools to design and test new methods of controlling fungal behaviour.

Impact and Outlook:

This project aims to pioneer a sustainable approach to combating antifungal resistance by enhancing the effectiveness of existing treatments. The findings could inform the development of innovative, non-pharmacological therapies and have broad applications in healthcare, biotechnology, and environmental microbiology.

Training and Student Development:

The student will gain hands-on experience in:

• Microbial cultivation and molecular cloning
• Quantitative data analysis and process optimisation
• Synthetic and molecular biology techniques
• Research design, interdisciplinary collaboration, and scientific communication

This project offers exceptional training at the interface of molecular biology, synthetic biology, and biochemical engineering, preparing the student for careers in academia, biotech innovation, or translational healthcare.

Research Environment:

The project is based in UCL’s Department of Biochemical Engineering, a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment. The student will be co-supervised by experts in microbial systems engineering and antifungal biology, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant research community. The lab fosters innovation, teamwork, and translational research, with opportunities for collaboration across life sciences and engineering.

Desirable Prior Experience:

• Background in molecular biology, microbiology, or biochemical engineering
• Familiarity with microbial systems, experience of working with non-yeast fungi
• Interest in antifungal resistance and drug development

How to apply

This project is offered as part of the Centre for Doctoral Training in Engineering Solutions for Antimicrobial Resistance. Further details about the CDT and programme can be found at AMR CDT webiste  

Applications should be submitted by 12^th January 2026.

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