If you want to undertake doctoral research and training as part of an international and highly inter-disciplinary team, combining a unique and ambitious theoretical, field, hands-on training and research, then ALFF is the programme for you. If you are interested in applying for our last remaining position on this prestigious programme, Project 14, please complete an application form along with all the documents we require and return these to us at: ALFF@sams.ac.uk. The recruitment to this project shall remain open until a suitable applicant has been identified. Please note, all the other positions within the programme have now been filled.Algal aquaculture is developing exponentially worldwide, with multiple applications in the food, chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Current research in algal biotechnology mostly focuses on metabolite discovery, aquaculture yield improvement and engineering bottle-necks. However, agronomical experience shows that controlling the interaction of land crops with mutualistic or pathogenic microbes is critical to successful production. Likewise, controlling the microbial flora associated with algae (the 'algal microbiome') is emerging as the biggest biological challenge for their increased usage. Bacteria can control the morphogenesis of algae, while others are indispensable to algal survival. Pathogens may cause devastating diseases, the impact of which worsens with the intensification of aquaculture practices.ALFF is funded under the prestigious EU Marie Sklodowska-Curie Initial Training Networks (ITN) programme and is specifically designed to train students in current research and developments in algal biotechnology and equip them with the specialist knowledge to face current and future challenges in this field within a multinational consortium. In addition to conducting research, students will be enrolled on an extensive programme of short courses, conferences and secondments at other institutions. ALFF will also involve an ambitious outreach and public engagement programme, in collaboration with highly renowned institutions such as the Flanders Marine Institute and the United Nations University. These ambitious and intensive activities will facilitate scientific excellence, creativity, entrepreneurship and innovation.ALFF combines multidisciplinary research-based projects, each with a focus on either pathogens, mutualistic symbionts, endosymbiotic microorganisms (the "endophycosphere"), biofilms or bioinformatics.This website contains all the information you need about the programme and how to apply for Project 14. You can also follow the link for this project and you will be asked to fill in the questionnaire provided on the "Apply" page, provide a CV, university certificates and transcripts, a personal statement and the names of at least two referees. All applications should be submitted in English. If you have any questions, you can contact the Education Administrator via email: ALFF@sams.ac.uk.