Bacterial sRNAs: Critical yet overlooked regulators of nitrous oxide emissions

ROWLEY_UBIO25ARIES

Bacterial sRNAs: Critical yet overlooked regulators of nitrous oxide emissions

ROWLEY_UBIO25ARIES

Project Description

Supervisors

Dr Gary Rowley, Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia – contact me

Professor Jon Todd, Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia

Dr Andrew Gates, Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia

Dr Linda Bergaust, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science

Project background

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a major greenhouse gas, with 300-fold greater warming potential than carbon dioxide. A major source of N2O comes from soil microbes utilising nitrogen-based fertilisers rather than oxygen to breathe in a process called denitrification. The final step in denitrification, the reduction of N2O to N2, is carried out by the enzyme nitrous oxide reductase, NosZ. However, NosZ does not always work in natural environments and we know that denitrifying organisms make a substantial contribution to N2O emissions. An expanding global population means fertiliser use will increase to meet food demands. Without intervention this will lead to increased N2O emissions.

We have a solid understanding of the denitrifying microbes in different environments, but our understanding of the “how” and “when” denitrification is switched on and off is relatively poor.  This is urgently needed so that agricultural practices might be manipulated to encourage the reduction of N2O to N2. Our team have made significant contributions to the understanding of regulation of denitrification including the role of bacterial small RNAs (sRNAs). sRNAs have critical roles in regulation of a multitude of physiological processes. We provided the first evidence that manipulation of sRNAs impacts N2O emissions.

We seek an enthusiastic individual with a background in microbiology to join the team. You will combine a range of microbial physiology, microbiology and functional genomics approaches to further our understanding of the contribution of sRNA to regulation of denitrification in the model bacteria Paracoccus denitrificans.  You will determine the conservation and significance of these regulatory systems in a range of other denitrifiers from diverse environments (soil, marine) to identify key nodes of regulation in the environment that may be used to enhance N2O reduction.

Comprehensive training will be provided in all areas. The successful individual will have the opportunity to visit the lab our of collaborators in Oslo. Professional and personal development of all members of the Rowley laboratory is a major priority, and the team are supported to attend a diverse range of internal and external courses. Presentation of results at international conferences will be an important aspect of the training provided.

Acceptable first degree subjects: Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Microbiology

 

References

  • Xue CX, Lin H, Zhu XY, Liu J, Zhang Y, Rowley G, Todd JD, Li M, Zhang XH. DiTing: A Pipeline to Infer and Compare Biogeochemical Pathways From Metagenomic and Metatranscriptomic Data. Front Microbiol. 2021;12:698286
  • Moeller S, Payá G, Bonete M-J, Gates AJ, Richardson DJ, Esclapez J, Rowley G. Microbial Small RNAs–The Missing Link in the Nitrogen Cycle? Frontiers in Environmental Science. 2021;9:158;
  • Xue CX, Liu JW, Lea-Smith DJ, Rowley G, Lin HY, Zheng YF, Zhu XY, Liang JC, Ahmad W, Todd JD, Zhang XH. Insights into the Vertical Stratification of Microbial Ecological Roles across the Deepest Seawater Column on Earth. Microorganisms. 2020;8(9):1309.
  • Gaimster H, Hews CL, Griffiths R, Soriano-Laguna MJ, Richardson DJ, Gates AJ, Rowley G. A Central Small RNA Regulatory Circuit Controlling Bacterial Denitrification and N2O Emissions. mBio. 2019;10(4)
  • Sullivan MJ, Gates AJ, Rowley G, Richardson DJ. Copper control of bacterial nitrous oxide emission and its impact on vitamin B12-dependent metabolism. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2013;110(49):19926-31

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

Apply via the  University of East Anglia application portal