Eco-evolutionary dynamics of environmental microbiomes

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Environmental microbiomes are complex and dynamic. Understanding how these complex systems assemble and gain resilience to perturbation by environmental stressors is fundamental to managing and restoring the function of natural ecosystems. In this project we aim to understand how community coalescence – the mixing of distinct microbial communities – shapes the structure and function of environmental microbiomes, and in turn whether coalesced communities are more stable against external perturbation. Using a combination of eco-evolutionary experiments, metagenomics, and mathematical modelling, we will test the following research questions:

1.      How does community coalescence alter the dynamics and predictability of community structure and function?

2.      Are coalesced communities more stable against perturbation?

3.      Do mobile genetic elements play a role in the eco-evolutionary dynamics of coalesced communities?

The project will build on our BBSRC sLoLa and use CO2-fixing Icelandic hot-spring biofilm communities as a novel, tractable model system. We will use diverse field-sampled natural biofilm communities to perform highly replicated community assembly-stability experiments in the lab under controlled conditions. These will be analysed using a combination of cutting-edge multi-omics together with statistical and mathematical modelling. The outcomes of the project will be advanced understanding of the dynamics of complex environmental microbiomes and potentially novel microbe-based biotechnological systems for capturing and using atmospheric CO2. The student will benefit from being integrated within a large multidisciplinary team (most of whom will be based at Manchester) providing a dynamic, stimulating and supportive research environment.

The PhD student will receive a broad interdisciplinary training including microbiology, ecology and evolution, metagenomics, mathematical and computational biology. Microbiome-specific training will be available through Microbiome Manchester which is led by the supervisory team. More widely, the student will be embedded within MERMan and the MIB alongside other PhD students, postdocs and technicians working on allied research topics.

Eligibility 

Applicants are expected to hold (or about to obtain) a minimum upper second class undergraduate honours degree (or equivalent) in Biology or a related science subject.  Experience in microbiology, ecology, evolution or quantitative biology is desirable. 

Before you Apply 

Applicants must make direct contact with preferred supervisors before applying. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to meet with potential supervisors, prior to submitting a formal online application.  

How to Apply 

For information on how to apply for this project, please visit the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Doctoral Academy website (https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/). Informal enquiries may be made directly to the primary supervisor. On the online application form select the appropriate subject title – PhD Microbiology.

Your application form must be accompanied by a number of supporting documents by the advertised deadlines. Without all the required documents submitted at the time of application, your application will not be processed and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you have any queries regarding making an application please contact our admissions team [email protected]  

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion  

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full Equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on the website https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/equality-diversity-inclusion/