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Dr G W Griffith
No more applications being accepted
Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
Fungi are primarily dispersed in air, so the ability to monitor bioaerosols (airborne biological propagules) is important, not least in the detection of pathogenic fungi (ash dieback, cereal rusts etc.). Early detection of airborne pathogen spores allows efficient and targeted pesticide application, and we have previously demonstrated the potential of such approaches in the early detection of Phytophthora infestans (late blight of potato) propagules (Griffith, Day & Kell [2002]. Brit. Crop Prot. Conf., p. 417; Day, Kell, Griffith [2002]. Appl. Env. Microb., 68, p. 37).
Bioaerosols have also attracted the attention of atmosphere physicists, since diverse meterological phenomena, including ice nucleation and cloud formation, are strongly influenced by airborne microbes. Fungi comprise a large proportion of these bioaerosols but the identities of the microbes most strongly associated with these phenomena are as yet largely unknown (Huffman et al. [2013] Atm. Chem. Phys., 13, p. 1767).
This PhD project aims to apply recent developments in the DNA barcoding of fungi with high throughput NextGen DNA sequencing to identify and quantify which fungi are present in bioaerosols and how these are influenced by diurnal/seasonal factors, weather and human activities. The project will also involve the National Botanic Garden of Wales (Dr. Natasha de Vere; DNA barcoding) and Manchester University (Prof. Martin Gallagher/Dr. Clare Robinson; atmosphere physics/fungal ecology).
The successful student will be supervised by Dr Gareth Griffith and receive research training in fungal ecology/taxonomy NextGen sequencing, aerobiological sampling and bioinformatics (analysis of large DNA datasets) and fungal ecology/taxonomy. This PhD programme links to several other projects within the AU Mycology Group, on fungal diversity in grassland, cryospheric and other habitats.
"Candidates should have (or expect to achieve) a First Class or Upper second class honours degree and/or a masters degree
(or equivalent) in a relevant subject."
We encourage prospective candidates to contact the lead supervisor Dr Gareth Griffith [Email Address Removed]; 01970 622325;
http://users.aber.ac.uk/gwg/
http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/ibers/opportunities-@-ibers/
Bioaerosols have also attracted the attention of atmosphere physicists, since diverse meterological phenomena, including ice nucleation and cloud formation, are strongly influenced by airborne microbes. Fungi comprise a large proportion of these bioaerosols but the identities of the microbes most strongly associated with these phenomena are as yet largely unknown (Huffman et al. [2013] Atm. Chem. Phys., 13, p. 1767).
This PhD project aims to apply recent developments in the DNA barcoding of fungi with high throughput NextGen DNA sequencing to identify and quantify which fungi are present in bioaerosols and how these are influenced by diurnal/seasonal factors, weather and human activities. The project will also involve the National Botanic Garden of Wales (Dr. Natasha de Vere; DNA barcoding) and Manchester University (Prof. Martin Gallagher/Dr. Clare Robinson; atmosphere physics/fungal ecology).
The successful student will be supervised by Dr Gareth Griffith and receive research training in fungal ecology/taxonomy NextGen sequencing, aerobiological sampling and bioinformatics (analysis of large DNA datasets) and fungal ecology/taxonomy. This PhD programme links to several other projects within the AU Mycology Group, on fungal diversity in grassland, cryospheric and other habitats.
"Candidates should have (or expect to achieve) a First Class or Upper second class honours degree and/or a masters degree
(or equivalent) in a relevant subject."
We encourage prospective candidates to contact the lead supervisor Dr Gareth Griffith [Email Address Removed]; 01970 622325;
http://users.aber.ac.uk/gwg/
http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/ibers/opportunities-@-ibers/
Funding Notes
This project is one available as part of the IBERS PhD Studentships initiative. This is an open competition.
Subsistenace rates will be in accordance with current Research Council rates.
Applications through PG Admissions - http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/postgrad/howtoapply/ - please ensure that you enter the lead supervisors name under 'name of proposed research supervisor'.
Subsistenace rates will be in accordance with current Research Council rates.
Applications through PG Admissions - http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/postgrad/howtoapply/ - please ensure that you enter the lead supervisors name under 'name of proposed research supervisor'.
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