Animal-microbe symbioses in pest insects (CHAPMANU21DTP1)

Sequencing technologies have fuelled a rapid rise in descriptions of microbial communities associated with hosts, but what is often harder to ascertain is the evolutionary significance of these symbioses. In recent research we found that mixed modes of microbial transmission play an underappreciated role in the establishment of animal host-microbe relationships. The goal of this project is to test this idea empirically and thus define fundamental rules governing such associations.

The student will use the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly, Ceratitis capitata) and its putative stable gut symbiont Klebsiella oxytoca. This represents a powerful system in which the composition of the symbiotic microbiome can be experimentally manipulated in multiple ways. The student will apply a combination of metagenomics, transmission studies, forward genetics and modelling, to test the mechanisms which promote host-symbiont associations.

The project has aims to (i) test the transmission mechanisms that facilitate gut colonisation by symbionts, (ii) determine the extent of, and mechanisms underlying, host fitness benefits, and (iii) conduct genome-wide screens to identify essential genes of symbiotic bacteria required for colonisation and mutualism in medfly.

The student will train at the interface of molecular genetics, genomics and mathematical theory, to test fundamental concepts of symbioses. They will gain key insights into the development and application of transferrable technologies via collaboration with colleagues at the Pirbright Institute. They will also receive excellent training and career development from the thriving Norwich Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership.

For more information on the supervisor for this project, please go here https://people.uea.ac.uk/tracey_chapman

This is a PhD programme.

The start date is 1st October 2021.

The mode of study is full time.

The studentship length is 4 years.


About NRP DTP:

The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NRPDTP) is open to UK and international candidates for entry October 2021 and offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP students undertake a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS) during their study. The placement offers exciting and invaluable work experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team. Students with, or expecting to attain, at least an upper second class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply.

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP programme. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on Thursday 7th January, Friday 8th January and Monday 11th January 2021.

Visit our website for further information on eligibility and how to apply: https://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk/

Our partners value diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background.