Global Regulators of Microbial Biodiversity

DUMBRELL_E25ARIES CASE project with Benthic Solutions / Applied Genomics Ltd

Global Regulators of Microbial Biodiversity

DUMBRELL_E25ARIES CASE project with Benthic Solutions / Applied Genomics Ltd

Project Description

Supervisors

Professor Alex Dumbrell, School of Life Sciences, University of Essex – contact me

Dr David Clark, University of Essex – School of Life Sciences

Dr Sebastian Mynott, Applied Genomics Ltd

 

Scientific background

Managing global biodiversity and minimising its loss is a central challenge of the 21st century. Achieving this requires an understanding of the ecological mechanisms regulating biodiversity across local-to-global scales and how these respond to environmental changes. For microbial species, which regulate Earth’s biogeochemical cycles and ecosystem functions, this knowledge base is missing. However, we now have the scientific tools and globally comprehensive datasets required to address this challenge and provide a mechanistic understanding of the global regulators of microbial biodiversity and how multiple environmental stressors (e.g. climate change, pollution etc.) will alter this. Do you want to be the researcher who uses this new knowledge base to provide novel solutions to manging this important component of global biodiversity?

Research methodology

You will collate, and analyse the wealth of DNA/RNA metabarcoding and metagenome data that have been used to characterise microbial diversity globally. Using these data you will evaluate the roles of deterministic and stochastic assembly processes in regulating microbial communities, how these influence microbial ecological networks, and how these change across taxa, scales and environmental contexts. You will develop predictive models of how microbial biodiversity will respond to the Triple Planetary Crisis of pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss.

PhD Training

You will be trained at the University of Essex and by our CASE partner, Applied Genomics, to be a multidisciplinary researcher and a highly employable ecological data scientist. Specific training includes: high-performance computing, bioinformatics, ecoinformatics, statistical modelling, meta-analysis and data synthesis, the generation, curation and management of Next Generation Sequencing data (including eDNA), experimental design and theoretical ecology. With training in scientific skills provided as part of the Continuing Professional Development course at Essex and ARIES-cohort training.

Person specification

We are looking for an enthusiastic person with qualifications in a related subject (e.g. Ecology, Biology, Microbiology) and an interest in microbial biodiversity. Candidates holding degrees with computational or data analysis components (e.g. Maths, Statistics, Computer Science) wishing to apply their skills to tackling ecological research questions are encouraged to apply. You must possess well-developed written and oral communication skills and be able to manage your time effectively

 

 

References

  • Dumbrell et al. (2010). Relative roles of niche and neutral processes in structuring a soil microbial community. The ISME Journal, 4(3), 337-345. doi:10.1038/ismej.2009.122
  • Clark et al. (2017). Biogeography at the limits of life: Do extremophilic microbial communities show biogeographical regionalization? Global Ecology and Biogeography, 26(12), 1435-1446. doi:10.1111/geb.12670
  • Clark et al. (2021). What drives study-dependent differences in distance–decay relationships of microbial communities? Global Ecology and Biogeography, 30(4), 811-825. doi:10.1111/geb.13266
  • Li et al. (2023). Global diversity and biogeography of potential phytopathogenic fungi in a changing world. Nature Communications, 14(1). doi:10.1038/s41467-023-42142-4
  • Li et al. (2023). Fossil-fuel-dependent scenarios could lead to a significant decline of global plant-beneficial bacteria abundance in soils by 2100. Nature Food, 4(11), 996-1006. doi:10.1038/s43016-023-00869-9

Key Information

  • This studentship has been shortlisted for funding under the UKRI NERC DLA funding scheme and will commence on 1 October 2025. The closing date for applications is 23:59 on 8th January 2025.
  • Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a fully-funded studentship, which covers fees, maintenance stipend (£19,237 p.a. for 2024/25) and research funding. A limited number of studentships are available for international applicants, with the difference between 'home' and 'international' fees being waived by the registering university. Please note however that ARIES funding does not cover additional costs associated with relocation to, and living in, the UK, such as visa costs or the health surcharge.
  • ARIES postgradute researcher (PGRs) benefit from bespoke graduate training and ARIES provides £2,500 to every student for access to external training, travel and conferences, on top of all Research Costs associated with the project. 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 non-academic experience, and our recruitment process considers potential with the same weighting as past experience.
  • All ARIES studentships may be undertaken on a part-time or full-time basis. International applicants should check whether there are any conditions of visa or imigration permission that preclude part-time study. All advertised project proposals have been developed with consideration of a safe, inclusive, and appropriate research and fieldwork environment with respect to protected characteristics. If you have any concerns please contact us.
  • For further information, please contact the supervisor. To apply for this Studentship follow the instructions at the bottom of the page or click the 'apply now' link.
  • ARIES is required by our funders to collect Equality and Diversity Information from all of our applicants. The information you provide will be used solely for monitoring and statistical purposes; it will remain confidential, and will be stored on the UEA sharepoint server. Data will not be shared with those involved in making decisions on the award of Studentships, and will have no influence on the success of your application. It will only be shared outside of this group in an anonymised and aggregated form. You will be ask to complete the form by the University to which you apply.
  • If funded under the BBSRC-NERC DLA scheme, ARIES studentships will be subject to UKRI terms and conditions. Postgraduate Researchers are expected to live within reasonable distance of their host organisation for the duration of their studentship. See https://www.ukri.org/publications/terms-and-conditions-for-training-funding/ for more information

Apply now

Please send your cover letter and CV to:  ariesapp@essex.ac.uk, identifying the project that you’re interested in. Please include the relevant project code.