Developing a new understanding of sulphur cycling in marine bacteria

SULLIVAN_UBIO25ARIES

Developing a new understanding of sulphur cycling in marine bacteria

SULLIVAN_UBIO25ARIES

Project Description

Supervisors

Dr Matthew Sullivan, Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia – contact me

Professor Jonathan Todd, BIO UEA

Professor Charles Brearley, UEA BIO

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 dimethylsulfoniopropionate (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 dimethylsulfide (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 synthesis and/or breakdown. 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 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, with relevant previous experience in the biological or environmental sciences disciplines.

Acceptable first degree subjects: Biological Sciences, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Environmental Science or Biochemistry

References

  • Curson A, Todd JD, Sullivan MJ and Johnston A. (2011) Catabolism of dimethylsulphoniopropionate: microorganisms, enzymes and genes. Nature Reviews Microbiology 9(12) 849-59
  • Williams B, Todd JD (2019) A day in the life of marine sulfonates. Nature Microbiology 4(10)1610-1611.
  • Sullivan MJ*, Goh K, Ulett GC*(2022) Regulatory cross-talk supports resistance to Zn intoxication in Streptococcus. PLoS Pathogens 18(7)e1010607. *corresponding-author
  • Goh K, Sullivan MJ*, Ulett GC* (2022) The copper resistome of Group B Streptococcus reveals insight into the genetic basis of cellular survival during metal ion stress. Journal of Bacteriology 204(5)e0006882. *corresponding-author
  • Cain A, Barquist L, Goodman A, Paulsen I, Parkhill J, van Opijnen T (2020) A decade of advances in transposon-insertion sequencing. Nature Reviews Genetics 21 526-540

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