Two Ph.D Studentships for October 2012 start

Update 10/08/12 - Applications have now closed, sorry!

I have two Ph.D studentships to advertise, both generously funded by the School of Biomedical & Biological Sciences, University of Plymouth for October 2012 start. We are aware that the very short deadline and almost immediate start-date are far from ideal but it was this or put them off until 2013 which we don’t want to do! They are as follows:

Biochemistry and ecophysiology of the sulfur Bacteria

Director of Studies: Dr Rich Boden

Co-Director of Studies: Dr John Moody

Chemoautotrophic Bacteria capable of the oxidation of sulfur play key roles in the carbon, sulfur and nitrogen biogeochemical cycles; however, these organisms are currently very poorly understood. Of the two major sulfur oxidation pathways known, the Kelly-Trudinger or “S4-intermediary” pathway is very poorly characterised with virtually no knowledge of the genes involved or their presence and expression in the environment. The project will investigate the sulfur oxidation pathways in Halothiobacillus neapolitanus, Thiobacillus thioparus and Thermithiobacillus tepidarius with specific focus on investigation of the molecular basis of the sulfur oxidation pathway. Once genes have been identified, they will be used to design functional markers for molecular ecological studies. The student will gain training in microbial physiology and biochemistry; cutting-edge molecular ecology including use of the Ion Torrent PGM for metagenome and transcriptome sequencing; proteomics; use of radioisotopes; mass spectrometry; environmental chemistry and a range of microscopic methods. 

Applications are welcomed from candidates with a strong background in microbiology and/or biochemistry. Prior experience of work in a microbiology laboratory is desirable though not essential. 

For full details and how to apply, click here.

Riding the storm: salinity pulses, micro-organisms and ecosystem processes in coastal grasslands

Director of Studies: Dr Mick Hanley

Co-Directors of Studies: Dr Rich Boden and Dr Richard Billington

One likely manifestation of anthropogenic climate change is an increased incidence of storm surge events. Salt-water flooding of low-lying terrestrial grasslands can have a major impact on plant community structure and function, although the mechanisms underpinning these changes are not well understood. Interactions between plants and soil organisms may be pivotal as processes such as N-cycling and decomposition are strongly linked to plant-microbial interactions. This project will investigate how sea water flooding affects 1) the soil fauna and microbial flora, 2) decomposition and N-cycling and 3) plant biochemistry and thus decomposition rates.

The successful applicant will receive state-of-the-art training in metagenomics, stable isotope probing, HPLC, and ecological assay techniques and will thus have the opportunity to develop a remarkable range of skills at the same time as addressing one of the most pressing issues in coastal protection.

For full details and how to apply, click here.