Immunology, Ecology, & Synthetic Biology fully funded PhD and Postdoc positions for 2026 at Manipal University, UBC, Concordia, University of Sydney, and Imperial College London. Apply now.
The landscape of higher education and advanced scientific research is shifting toward a multidisciplinary approach where biology, chemistry, and data science intersect to solve global challenges. For aspiring researchers, finding the right laboratory and mentor is the most critical step in a career dedicated to innovation. From the development of life-saving vaccines in medical microbiology to the engineering of carbon-negative cyanobacteria, the opportunities currently available at prestigious institutions worldwide—including Manipal University Jaipur, the University of British Columbia, Concordia University, the University of Sydney, and Imperial College London—represent the vanguard of modern science.
1. PhD in Immunology and Medical Microbiology at Manipal University
Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) is currently inviting applications from prospective full-time PhD candidates with a deep-seated interest in Immunology and Medical Microbiology. As the global healthcare landscape evolves to combat emerging pathogens and autoimmune complexities, MUJ’s research initiative seeks to prepare scholars for independent investigation and original contributions to the medical sciences.
Academic Excellence and UGC Compliance
The PhD program at MUJ is meticulously modeled after the latest University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines. This alignment ensures that the research degree maintains a high standard of academic rigor, recognized both nationally and internationally. The primary objective is to move beyond rote learning, treating the PhD not as an end in itself, but as a robust foundation for a long-term research career.
Key Research Focus Areas
Candidates joining the Department of Biosciences or related medical wings at MUJ will focus on:
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Host-Pathogen Interactions: Understanding how the human immune system recognizes and responds to viral and bacterial threats.
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Microbial Pathogenesis: Investigating the mechanisms through which microbes cause disease and how these can be disrupted.
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Vaccine Development: Exploring novel immunological pathways for the creation of next-generation therapeutic agents.
Application Details
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply through the official MUJ admissions portal. The university offers both full-time and part-time tracks, though the current call emphasizes full-time engagement for those dedicated to lab-intensive microbiological research.
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Application Link: https://admissions.jaipur.manipal.edu/
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Primary Contact: Mr. Samshad Alam, Senior Process Associate – III
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Email: office.phd@jaipur.manipal.edu
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Phone: 0141-3999100-246
2. Plant Natural Product Biosynthesis and Synthetic Biology at University of British Columbia (UBC)
The University of British Columbia (UBC), consistently ranked among the top research universities globally, is recruiting talented PhD students and postdoctoral fellows for its lab focused on plant natural product biosynthesis and synthetic biology. This position is ideal for researchers interested in the “green” chemical industry and the sustainable production of medicines.
The Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards (CIRTA)
A major draw for international candidates is the Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards. This initiative is designed to attract the brightest minds from across the globe to Canada.
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Scholarship Value: $40,000 per year for three years.
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Scale: 600 doctoral scholarships are being distributed across the country.
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Priority Areas: Research must align with one of eight strategic priority areas, which include biotechnology and environmental sustainability.
Research Scope: Engineering the Future of Plants
The research at UBC involves decoding the complex metabolic pathways of plants to produce high-value natural products. By applying synthetic biology principles, the lab aims to recreate these pathways in microbial hosts or enhance them within the plants themselves. This work has massive implications for the pharmaceutical industry, where many core ingredients are derived from rare plant species.
How to Express Interest
Prospective students currently outside of Canada are invited to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) form. This will ensure they receive detailed application information in January 2026.
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UBC Awards Link: https://www.grad.ubc.ca/awards/canada-impact-research-training-awards
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Lab Portal: https://plantbiocore.ok.ubc.ca/
3. Community Ecology and Biogeography at Concordia University, Montreal
Professor Jean-Philippe Lessard and the Community Ecology and Biogeography Lab at Concordia University are seeking a PhD student to begin in August 2026. This funded position is perfect for students who are passionate about biodiversity, climate change, and the mathematical modeling of ecological systems.
Core Research Themes
The lab focuses on the factors that determine where species live and how they interact. Current research questions include:
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Range Limits: What evolutionary and ecological factors prevent a species from expanding its territory?
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Ecological Networks: How do plant-pollinator and host-parasite networks assemble and remain stable?
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Carbon Cycling: The specific role of soil arthropods, particularly ants, in nutrient cycling and carbon storage—a critical component of climate change mitigation.
Candidate Requirements and Assets
Successful applicants must possess a strong background in ecology or evolutionary biology and demonstrate proficiency in R for data analysis.
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Mandatory: Experience with large datasets and quantitative analysis.
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Assets: Fieldwork experience, GIS skills, and a background in insect physiology or biochemistry.
Application Timeline and Requirements
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Deadline: January 8, 2026.
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Submission Package: Cover letter, CV, unofficial transcripts, and contact information for two referees should be sent as a single PDF to alisa.makusheva@concordia.ca
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Email Subject: Community Ecology_Your Name.
4. Postdoctoral Research Associate in Cyanobacterial Synthetic Biology at the University of Sydney
The University of Sydney is offering a prestigious Postdoctoral Research Associate position in the School of Chemistry. This role focuses on the cutting-edge field of cyanobacterial synthetic biology, aimed at creating carbon-negative technologies.
The “Green E. coli” Revolution
Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic microorganisms capable of fixing $CO_2$ with incredible efficiency. By engineering these organisms, researchers can create biological factories that turn sunlight and greenhouse gases into biofuels and bioplastics.
Role Responsibilities and Compensation
The successful candidate will drive a high-impact project focusing on engineering carboxysomes (specialized protein structures for carbon fixation).
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Salary: $113,400 – $116,916 + 17% superannuation.
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Duration: 2 years fixed term (Full-time).
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Location: Camperdown Campus, Sydney, Australia.
Essential Skills
The University seeks candidates with a PhD in Synthetic Biology, Microbiology, or Biochemistry. Expertise in protein purification (FPLC), molecular cloning, and the cultivation of cyanobacteria is essential.
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Closing Date: January 21, 2026.
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Application Link: Accessible via the University of Sydney Workday portal.
5. Data-Driven Electrocatalysis and Materials 4.0 at Imperial College London
Imperial College London’s Department of Materials is offering funded PhD positions that sit at the intersection of electrochemistry and machine learning. This project, “Data-Driven Electrocatalysis for Energy and Chemical Systems,” focuses on the hydrogen oxidation reaction as a catalyst for sustainable chemical synthesis.
Sustainable Energy and Materials 4.0
The transition to a carbon-neutral economy requires moving away from aqueous electrochemical processes. This project explores non-aqueous routes for $CO_2$ and $N_2$ reduction, which offer better selectivity but are currently hindered by slow anode kinetics.
Training and Collaboration
Students will receive training in:
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High-throughput testing: Systematically evaluating electrolyte compositions.
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Machine Learning: Using data-driven tools to guide experimental design.
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International Collaboration: Working with the University of Copenhagen and DTU in Denmark to develop molecular-scale models.
Funding and Eligibility
Currently, these positions are primarily funded for UK “Home” students under UKRI guidelines.
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Annual Stipend: £22,780 (for 2025/26).
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Duration: 48 months.
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Supervisors: Dr. Reshma Rao, Prof. Magdalena Titirici, and industrial partners from Rolls-Royce and Johnson Matthey.
Application Process
Applications are accepted year-round. Interested candidates should submit a personal statement, CV, and referee details to the Imperial Materials PhD portal.
Research Opportunities
| Institution | Level | Primary Field | Funding/Salary | Location |
| Manipal University Jaipur | PhD | Immunology/Microbiology | Per UGC Norms | Jaipur, India |
| Univ. of British Columbia | PhD/Postdoc | Plant Synthetic Biology | $40,000 (PhD) | Kelowna, Canada |
| Concordia University | PhD | Community Ecology | Fully Funded | Montreal, Canada |
| University of Sydney | Postdoc | Cyanobacteria/SynBio | $113k+ AUD | Sydney, Australia |
| Imperial College London | PhD | Electrocatalysis | £22,780 Stipend | London, UK |
Strategies for a Successful Application
Securing a position in these high-level programs requires more than just good grades. It requires a demonstration of research potential and cultural fit.
Crafting the Statement of Purpose
For the positions at Concordia or UBC, your statement should not just list your achievements. Instead, it should explicitly address the research questions posed by the lab. For instance, if applying to Professor Lessard’s lab, discuss your experience with R and how you would approach the study of nutrient cycling in soil arthropods.
Preparing Your CV for Synthetic Biology Roles
For the University of Sydney or Imperial College roles, emphasize your technical “wet lab” skills. Mention specific equipment you have operated, such as FPLC for protein purification or automated high-throughput screening tools.
Understanding Funding Eligibility
The Imperial College position is a prime example of why checking residency status is vital. If you are an international student, look for “International” specific scholarships like the CIRTA in Canada, which are designed specifically to bridge the funding gap for non-residents.
The Role of Referees
In all five opportunities, the quality of your references is paramount. Choose referees who can speak to your independence in the lab and your ability to collaborate. In the case of the Imperial College application, remember that your prospective supervisor cannot serve as your referee.
The Future of Scientific Research
The roles described above represent the diverse paths a scientific career can take in 2026. Whether it is through the lens of medical microbiology in India, ecological conservation in Canada, or sustainable energy production in the UK and Australia, these positions offer the chance to solve the most pressing issues of our time. By aligning your specific interests in immunology, biogeography, or synthetic biology with these world-class institutions, you can contribute to a global body of knowledge that will define the next century of scientific progress.
