The big picture: using wildflower strips for pest control
Herbicide-resistant weeds are one of the most pressing challenges facing modern agriculture. Blackgrass (Alopecurus myosuroides), the UK’s most problematic weed, has evolved resistance to multiple herbicides and now dominates winter cereal fields, reducing yields and threatening food security. This PhD project offers an exciting opportunity to explore a sustainable, nature-based solution: using soil microbes to suppress blackgrass growth without harming key crops like wheat and barley. Working within Rothamsted Research’s Weed Molecular Biology and Soil Microbiology teams, you will investigate microbial isolates from the UK Crop Microbiome Cryobank. These microbes have shown promising potential to inhibit blackgrass seedling growth under controlled conditions. Your research will involve screening diverse blackgrass biotypes to identify effective microbe–weed interactions, assessing crop safety, and uncovering the biological and ecological mechanisms that underpin microbial suppression. You will also work at the University of Bath using Arabidopsis MAGIC lines to identify genetic loci associated with microbe-mediated growth suppression. Functional validation and mechanistic studies will be conducted using the combined Team’s advanced genomics, metabolomics, and phenotyping platforms. You will receive training in plant phenotyping, microbial ecology, molecular biology, and data analysis, using our state-of-the-art laboratories, glasshouses, and imaging platforms. The supervisory team includes experts in weed molecular biology (MacGregor), soil microbiology (Mauchline), and plant genetics (Kover) and includes collaborators that are directly involved in biocontrol innovation. You will be embedded in collaborative research environments at Rothamsted and Bath, gaining hands-on experience in molecular biology, plant physiology, and data analysis. The long-term goal is to develop microbial biocontrol products that reduce chemical inputs and restore productivity in herbicide resistant fields. The project leverages the Teams’ world-class facilities and interdisciplinary expertise, contributing to sustainable weed management strategies and UK farming resilience. This interdisciplinary project combines cutting-edge science with real-world impact. It aligns with the growing demand for sustainable farming practices and offers the potential to develop microbial biocontrol products that reduce chemical inputs and restore productivity in herbicide-resistant fields.We are committed to providing a supportive and inclusive research environment. You will be part of a collaborative team and benefit from tailored mentorship, professional development opportunities, and engagement with both academic and industry partners. Whether your interests lie in plant science, microbiology, or sustainable agriculture, this project provides a strong foundation for a career in research and innovation.
Applicants for a studentship must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of science or technology. Applicants with a Lower Second Class degree will be considered if they also have a Master’s degree or have significant relevant research or non-academic experience.
In addition, due to the strong mathematical component of the taught course in the first year and the quantitative emphasis in our projects, quantitative/mathematical experience is needed. This can be demonstrated through one or more of the following:
*Significant mathematical component examples include; maths, statistics, bioinformatics.
Applicants must ensure they highlight their quantitative/mathematical background within their application and to upload any supporting evidence.
To support accessibility to PhD training opportunities, these studentships are only available to applicants that have not previously obtained or about to obtain a PhD degree (or equivalent).
If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum English requirements for the programme. Further information about these English requirements >>
We ask that the language requirements are met by 1st June at the latest, to allow adequate time to obtain any necessary documentation to allow you to study in the UK. Further information about documentation required >>
IMPORTANT: Residency requirements are complex and too detailed to capture in full below. So please read alongside guidance provided on the GOV.UK website and UKCISA website to ensure you meet the criteria.
Home students
Fully-funded studentships are available for Home students. To be classed as a Home student, candidates must meet the following criteria:
International students
If you do not meet the above criteria, you will be classed as an International student.
A limited number (up to 30%) of UKRI fully-funded studentships are available through the SWBio DTP, that applicants who would be classed as an International student are eligible for. This also means that there are normally no restrictions on applying to any project that is advertised (unless otherwise indicated). . Please apply through our normal application route.
Note: A UKRI fully-funded studentship will only cover what is listed under the ‘UKRI-BBSRC funded studentship‘ section. However there may be other costs that you may encounter and need to take into consideration which will not be covered by the studentship. For example, visa fees, healthcare surcharge, relocation costs and COVID-19 related quarantine costs
Projects advertised during the main SWBio DTP recruitment period (this period will be indicated by an application deadline) are all 4 years fully-funded (subject to being made a studentship offer following the SWBio interview day).
A fully-funded four year SWBio DTP studentship will cover:
A limited number (up to 30%) of UKRI fully-funded studentships are available through the SWBio DTP, that applicants who would be classed as an International student are eligible for. This also means that there are normally no restrictions on applying to any project that is advertised (unless otherwise indicated). Further information about residence criteria >>
* An enhanced stipend is available for students with a recognised veterinary degree qualification (£28,738 per annum for 2024-2025). There may also be enhanced stipends associated with projects that have a CASE partner (CASE projects are highlighted as *CASE in the project lists).
** International students will not be required to cover the difference between home and international tuition fees.
Your PhD stipend:
Your student status:
IMPORTANT: A UKRI fully-funded studentship will only cover what is listed under the ‘UKRI-BBSRC funded studentship’ section. However there may be other costs that you may encounter and need to take into consideration which will not be covered by the studentship or via the institution. For example, visa fees, healthcare surcharge, relocation costs and guarantor services.
To give you an indication* of costs:
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):
Compulsory, entitles you to access to National Health Service (NHS)
£776 per person, per year of your visa. You will be charged £388 for part of a year under 6 months and £776 for part of a year over 6 months. Use the IHS calculator to estimate how much you will be charged. There are limited circumstance where you will be eligible for a refund, please read the IHS webpage for details.
Application fee:
Prices increase for premium applications to receive a quicker decision
Outside UK: £490 (standard)
Inside UK: £490 (standard), £990 (priority), super priority may be available
Additional charges:
Biometrics appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre
Outside UK: country specific
Inside UK: Free appointments are available at some centres. Charged appointments cost from £139 depending on the location and time of appointment.
These costs are indications, so please ensure you read the relevant Government websites for the exact costs at the time you are starting your programme.
* Source: University of Exeter’s International Student Support webpage
Please submit an application through our SWBio DTP centralised application system (known as Good Grants). Note: The application system is not yet live. A link will be provided here shortly when we are able to start accepting applications. You can join our mailing list to be notified directly when you can submit an application.
Only applications submitted through this online form and by the application deadline will be accepted.
Submitting multiple applications?
Examples
Alongside, please do read through our ‘Selection Process‘ information. This is full of really useful information including what we are looking for in a SWBio DTP student, the selection process and when our virtual DTP interview days will be taking place.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
We want to support diverse and inclusive work environments. We therefore welcome applications from individuals regardless of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, age, gender, or disability status. We welcome applications from individuals who have previously studied at any recognised Higher Education Institute and from a range of career paths (please refer to the SWBio DTP academic criteria for eligibility), including individuals who have previously trained in the sciences and are wanting to return to scientific research.
To enable greater access to a PhD, we will work with you to take into consideration reasonable project adaptations (for example to support caring responsibilities, disabilities, other significant personal circumstances) as well as flexible working and part‐time study requests. All our supervisors support us with this, so please feel comfortable in discussing further with the listed PhD project supervisor to see what is feasible. Further information >>
Please click on the name of the institution for further information. This will guide you to:
University of Bath
University of Bristol
Cardiff University
University of Exeter
Rothamsted Research
Swansea University
University of the West of England (UWE)
University of Plymouth
As part of your application you will be asked to include:
Further guidance and how your data will be shared will be included in the online application form.
Programme expectations