Dr Jan-Ulrich Kreft

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

Scientific Background

Research Interests

Dr Jan-Ulrich Kreft is a microbiologist turned mathematical modeller studying competition, cooperation, plasmid transfer and other interactions in microbial communities using differential equation and individual-based models. I'm broadly interested in the dynamics of interaction between 'parts' (e.g. individual organisms) and how these interactions give rise to emergent behaviour on the next higher level of organisation (e.g. the population). There are far more fascinating examples than one can possibly study, so I have focused on competition, cooperation, and communication of microbes in spatially structured systems such as biofilms.

Scientific Inspiration

I have been inspired by many different scientists and some philosophers, dead or living, so it is difficult to pick one. But most importantly I have been inspired by watching nature and asking questions. How and why questions. As a boy I wondered why birds sing and how bumblebees manage to fly. Some of these questions I can now answer, yet I have more unanswered questions now than I had when I was young.

Research Groups

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: Supportive, guiding, detail-oriented but also strategic, spontaneous and organised.

Provision of Training

I don鈥檛 delegate supervision to others and like to see my group members at least once per week. I will guide you to become increasingly independent. If you need me to push you, I鈥檓 not the right supervisor for you. I expect you to push yourself.

Progression Monitoring and Management

I will expect you to take full ownership of your project but hope you will come to me when you have ideas or need help or have worries. I expect high quality of work but not that everything will work. In weekly meetings we will discuss questions, progress and hurdles and monthly take a step back and reflect on progress more strategically.

Communication

I am known to email my team at all hours of the day and night but will not expect you to reply when you are not working. I have an open-door policy and am always happy to meet you especially if it distracts me from some tedious tasks. I prefer if you come early if you have problems. I also like to hear good news.

Meetings

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me at least once per week. These meetings will be face-to-face. I am usually contactable for an instant response on every working day.

Work Patterns

The timing of work in my lab is completely flexible, and (other than attending pre-arranged meetings) I expect students to manage their own time. Regular presence on campus is encouraged as it is beneficial.

Notice Period for Feedback

My notice period for feedback is highly variable.

MIBTP Project Details

Primary supervisor for:

Project Title

See the PhD Opportunities section to see if this project is currently open for applications via MIBTP.

Please Note: The main page lists projects via BBSRC Research Theme(s) quoted and then relevant Topic(s).

Project Title

Secondary Supervisor(s):

University of Registration:

BBSRC Research Themes:

Sustainable Agriculture and Food (Animal Health and Welfare, Microbial Food Safety, Plant and Crop Science)
Renewable Resources and Clean Growth (Bio-energy, Industrial Biotechnology)
Understanding the Rules of Life (Immunology, Microbiology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, Plant Science, Soil Science, Stem Cells, Structural Biology, Systems Biology)
Integrated Understanding of Health (Ageing, Diet and Health, Pharmaceuticals, Regenerative Biology)

Project Outline

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CASE Project Title

See the Industrial Collaboration PhD Studentships page to see if this project is currently open for applications via MIBTP.

CASE: Project Title

University of Registration:

Non-academic partner:

Secondary Supervisor(s):

Project Outline

Application

Deadline: 26 November 2026.

To apply for a CASE studentship, please check your eligibility and complete the MIBTP application process.

Please ensure that you:

Apply directly to University
Clearly state you are applying for a CASE project and stipulate the project title
Please also complete the online ED&I formLink opens in a new window

Co-supervisor on a project / projects with supervisor name + link.

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