Antarctic subglacial lakes are one of the few remaining unexplored environments on Earth. Yet they have the potential to be one of the most extreme environments and also one of the least accessible, with combined stresses of high pressure, low temperature, permanent darkness, low nutrient content and variable oxygen concentrations. Preliminary analysis of sediment and ice samples suggests a very dilute environment for microbial life, so where present, there will be probably very low numbers of viable organisms. Through the analysis of analogues and proxies, we are just beginning to understand what life might be like in these remarkable ecosystems. Indeed, since the first discovery of Antarctic subglacial aquatic ecosystems, there has been a rapid expansion in our understanding of these environments, in terms of their number, diversity and interconnectivity. More importantly, technological and logistical capabilities have now, for the first time, made deep Antarctic subglacial lake access both feasible and scientifically compelling in recent years.
One of the key goals of Antarctic subglacial lake exploration has been to measure, analyse and understand life in these extreme environments. Microbiological activity and function have already been shown to be present in such systems, albeit at the margins of the ice sheet. This might be expected, as microorganisms are known to withstand the range of selection pressures and indeed, have been predicted to exist within such deep subglacial environments. Indeed, microbes have been shown to exist in analogous extreme environments, such as deep-sea sediments, to display a huge diversity, to have the ability to exist in the absence of light and to remain dormant in isolation for hundreds of thousands to millions of years.
In this study, we will conduct a thorough microbiological investigation of Antarctic subglacial sediments retrieved for the first time from over 2 km below the Antarctic ice surface and address a range of questions, such as can these environments sustain life, and if present, what type of organisms, what niche might they occupy and how do they overcome intense and often adverse selection pressures? What can any organisms found tell us about the distribution and evolution of microbial life? Is any potential historical climate change record locked within the sediments, how do Antarctic subglacial lakes interact with and influence the rest of the biosphere and the overlaying ice, do they influence global biogeochemical cycles, are the ecosystems stable and how do they function?
During the course of this investigation the candidate will acquire transferrable research skills in: Astrobiology, Biotechnology, Engineering, Fieldwork, Cleanliness and Sterility, Microbiology, Molecular biology, Detection Limits, Public Understanding of Science and Science Communication.
It is expected that the project will involve significant Polar Fieldwork
Eligibility and How to Apply:
Please note eligibility requirement:
• Academic excellence of the proposed student i.e. 2:1 (or equivalent GPA from non- UK universities [preference for 1st class honours]); or a Masters (preference for Merit or above)
• Appropriate IELTS score, if required
For further details of how to apply, entry requirements and the application form, see https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/how-to-apply/
Please note: All applications must include a covering letter (up to 1000 words maximum) including why you are interested in this PhD, a summary of the relevant experience you can bring to this project and of your understanding of this subject area with relevant references (beyond the information already provided in the advert). Applications that do not include the advert reference (e.g. SF22/…) will not be considered.
Deadline for applications: Ongoing
Start Date: 1st October and 1st March are the standard cohort start dates each year.
Northumbria University is committed to creating an inclusive culture where we take pride in, and value, the diversity of our doctoral students. We encourage and welcome applications from all members of the community. The University hold a bronze Athena Swan award in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality, we are a Disability Confident Employer, a member of the Race Equality Charter and are participating in the Stonewall Diversity Champion Programme. We also hold the HR Excellence in Research award for implementing the concordat supporting the career development of researchers.
Informal enquiries to Prof David Pearce ([Email Address Removed])