PhD Studentship: Defining New Ways Bacteria Control Environmental Cycling of Sulphur and Carbon

Scientific Background 

The microbial world is a fascinating network of organisms that live in our environment and play significant roles in regulating our climate. The molecule dimethylsulphoniopropionate (DMSP) is an anti-stress compound made by plants, algae and bacteria, in the order of hundreds of millions of tonnes annually, worldwide. DMSP protects organisms from harsh conditions found in diverse ecological niches. There is huge diversity in bacteria that make and degrade DMSP, however precisely when and why they do this is not well understood [1,2]. When DMSP is degraded, a climate-cooling gas called dimethylsulphide (DMS) is released that enters the atmosphere and forms cloud condensation nuclei, influencing atmospheric reflectivity and has vast potential to modulate the global climate [1]. A greater understanding of DMSP biology is of paramount importance for designing future strategies that exploit this molecule to reverse the effects of global warming. 

This project will be hosted in the School of Biological Sciences at UEA, one of the world’s foremost centres of excellence for DMSP research. The individual will identify new genetic systems involved in DMSP metabolism and will make fundamental discoveries in the discipline of environmental microbiology. 

Research Methodology

The project harnesses leading-edge genetic techniques to investigate bacterial DMSP biology. The individual will be first-in-the-world to use transposon-directed insertion sequencing [3,4,5] to identify entirely new genes and enzymes that act on DMSP. Analytical techniques will be coupled to powerful biomolecular assays. The individual will be co-located in the Sullivan and Todd labs in the School of Biological Sciences, with opportunities for collaboration with researchers further afield.

Training

The individual will learn and independently develop techniques in environmental and molecular microbiology, including genetic manipulation, next-generation sequencing, bioinformatics, and biophysical analyses. There will be opportunities to present at internationally-leading conferences and access a network of global researchers. UEA’s post-graduate professional development team will provide support in enhancing translational skills.

Person specification

We seek an enthusiastic and highly motivated individual with willingness to learn new concepts in molecular biology and/or microbiology to join our vibrant and collegiate community, including a degree (2:1 or higher) in the biological or environmental sciences disciplines.

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the ARIES NERC DTP.

Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a NERC studentship, which covers fees, stipend (£18,622 p.a. for 2023/24) and research funding. International applicants are eligible for fully-funded ARIES studentships including fees. Please note however that ARIES funding does not cover additional costs associated with relocation to, and living in, the UK.

Excellent applicants from quantitative disciplines with limited experience in environmental sciences may be considered for an additional 3-month stipend to take advanced-level courses.

ARIES is committed to equality, diversity, widening participation and inclusion in all areas of its operation. We encourage enquiries and applications from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation and transgender status. Academic qualifications are considered alongside significant relevant non-academic experience.

For further information, please visit www.aries-dtp.ac.uk

Primary supervisor: Dr Matthew Sullivan

Start date: October 2024

For more information on this project, please visit https://www.uea.ac.uk/search/courses/