About this role
Deadline: Monday 15th December, 2025. Competition funded PhD Project.
Supervisors: Dr Richard Sloan (The University of Edinburgh), Prof Kenneth Baillie (The University of Edinburgh), Dr Finn Grey (The University of Edinburgh), Dr Rob Young (The University of Edinburgh)
About the project
This project aims to identify host factors in viral entry and cross-species transmission by examining evolutionary pressure and genetic variation. It focuses on characterising host cell proteins crucial for viral entry, exploring how adaptation and selective pressures shape these pathways and influence infection. Our recent work combines CRISPR screen ranking with pan-mammalian positive selection analysis to pinpoint antiviral and proviral genes. Using this framework, we have already identified genes that affect influenza A virus entry and transmembrane proteins influencing SARS-CoV-2 entry. Building on these findings, this PhD will integrate comparative genomics with functional experimental validation to uncover new determinants of viral entry for a range of RNA viruses, including influenza A virus, coronaviruses and paramyxoviruses.
Aims:
Identify and characterise known viral receptors under positive selection across mammalian genomes, testing how adaptive change affects viral binding and cell tropism. Use ontology and meta-analysis approaches to highlight cell surface and endosomal proteins not previously linked to virus entry but implicated in CRISPR screens, GWAS, or evolutionary analyses. Experimentally validate candidate factors using CRISPR sub-screens and cell-based infection assays with viral pseudotype panels to define proteins affecting viral entry and transmission potential.
Research training: The student will gain a comprehensive training that bridges molecular biology, virology, and bioinformatics. Laboratory work will include mammalian cell culture, CRISPR-based gene editing, and infection models using pseudotyped and replication competent viruses. The student will learn to perform and interpret high-content functional assays, protein–virus interaction studies, and flow cytometry analyses.
Complementing this, the project provides computational training in comparative genomics, evolutionary analysis, and integrative data mining of CRISPR screens and genetic association datasets. Full training will be provided through project work and workshops.
Working in a collaborative environment with multiple research groups with expertise in virology, molecular genetics, and host–pathogen evolution, the student will develop a broad skill set suited to both academic and applied biological research. The project will show how viruses exploit and are constrained by the genetic diversity of their hosts and how this can drive zoonosis.
biology.ed.ac.uk/eastbio/how-to-apply
UKRI-funded studentships are available globally, covering UK tuition fees, a living stipend, and an annual £5,000 research grant for the first three PhD years. EASTBIO DTP limits international students to 30%. Eligibility criteria are as per UKRI guidance.
Apply Now:
Visit the EASTBIO Webpage to download necessary documents. Submit your completed application, EDI survey, and academic transcripts to [email protected] by the deadline. Ensure references are sent to the same email using the provided form.
EASTBIO will hold online Q&A sessions in November/December 2025. Check the EASTBIO How to Apply webpage for details. Incomplete applications will not be considered.