ÌÇÐÄTV

Information on the lab

The Gifford lab offers a highly supportive environment for researchers with opportunities to develop both scientific outcomes and transferrable skills. PhD students will gain experience of designing and carrying out scientific experiments and will be trained on how to present and discuss their research; Postdocs will gain independence and be supported to pursue their own ideas too. All will get opportunities to present their work at scientific conferences and publish their work in peer-reviewed scientific journals. There are several options for fully funded PhD positions at ÌÇÐÄTV, including some for international researchers.

Who should apply

We encourage interest from prospective PhD students or postdocs from all backgrounds who are highly driven with a curiosity for research related to aspects of plant development and plant-microbe interactions. Researchers will be expected to operate independently at times and so should be motivated with an aptitude for problem solving but also comfortable asking for help when needed. Ideal candidates are highly collaborative and able to share their knowledge and skills with others, both within and outside of the group. You should also be willing to engage with the research of other group members and to participate in academic activities beyond laboratory work.

Please check below to find out if there are any places available at present.

Guidelines for enquiries

Send an email to Prof. Gifford briefly outlining your career so far and research interests (a few sentences is fine) and why you are interested in a PhD or postdoc project in the Gifford lab. Please also attach a 2 page (max.) CV. If you follow these guidelines Prof. Gifford will do her best to alert you to relevant opportunities.

Example of an email to do this:

^{Dear Professor Gifford,}

^{I have just started the final year of my degree (currently on course for a 2:1) studying Biological Sciences at the University of Bristol. I have a very strong interest in legume-rhizobia symbiosis and in particular the mechanisms that determine which the combinations of leguminous and rhizobial species that are able to enter symbiosis together, based on my ‘Microbe Interactions’ module in year 3. I was wondering if there would be any opportunities in your laboratory to do a PhD where I could pursue this interest?}

^{Yours sincerely, Xue Doe}

Postdoctoral fellowships

If you are eligible to apply for your own funding (e.g. EMBO, Marie Curie, L'Oréal-UNESCO, developing independence UKRI Fellowship)

Please contact to find out how we can support your application, following the guidelines above.

Note, there are no more spaces for EMBO or MSCA fellowship applicants.

PhD ideas

Gifford lab projects are available via the

MIBTPLink opens in a new window programme, see bottom of this page: /fac/cross_fac/mibtp/phd/supervisors/MGifford/

Please note, the MIBTP process is a central one (I do not decide) but I would be happy to provide advice if you email me on

Once they are open please email as the guidance above.

You can also contact me about ÌÇÐÄTV Postgraduate Research Scholarships or other International Scholarship schemes to discuss project fit.