About the Project
The microbes that live on and in the human body do not do so alone. Bacteria which cause infections – pathogenic bacteria – infect as part of diverse, polymicrobial communities. Microbes can work cooperatively by metabolic cross feeding or release of “public goods” for mutually beneficial relationships, while others compete, often to occupy similar niches. We hypothesize that the ecological context of polymicrobial infection affects the ability of pathogens to cause disease. In this project, we use Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) and the cystic fibrosis (CF) respiratory microbiome as a means of testing this hypothesis.
In CF, microbes occupying the lung cause periodic pulmonary exacerbations which are defined as worsening pulmonary symptoms including cough, increased sputum production, and increased breathlessness. These episodes often require hospitalization and treatment with antibiotics which may improve the symptoms (though not lung function, such that repeated exacerbations severely decrease lung function over time). CF research and clinical treatment focusses on a number of principal pathogens, including Pa, which is a marker of disease severity and mortality yet individuals can be chronically colonized with Pa for decades while maintaining a mild disease state. A potential explanation may be found in the ecology of these communities.
We hypothesize that pathogens, such as Pa, become more virulent when in association with particular other organisms and that these associations drive disease. Understanding microbe-Pa interactions have implications not only for the treatment of CF, but on our overall understanding of the evolution and ecology of interactions within mixed microbial communities.
In this project, the student will combine classic microbiology with an in vivo chronic infection model to study how the presence of the lung microbiota affects the pathogenicity of Pa. The project includes the following objectives:
- Use culture-enrichment and DNA sequencing to study the co-occurrence of Pa with members of the CF lung microbiota.
- Test the importance of Pa-microbe associations using a high-throughput in vivo chronic infection model.
- Identify the genetic mechanisms unique to each category of Pa-microbe interaction.
This project will provide a more thorough understanding of the interactions that occur within mixed microbial communities and how those interactions affect pathogen virulence.
https://sites.manchester.ac.uk/merman/
Eligibility
Applicants must have obtained or be about to obtain a minimum Upper Second class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in evolutionary biology, microbiology or a related subject area. Research experience in microbiome work is desirable.
International applicants
We are only able to offer a limited number of full studentships to applicants outside the UK. Therefore, full studentships will only be awarded to exceptional quality international candidates due to the competitive nature of this scheme.
International applicants must ensure they meet the academic eligibility criteria (including English language) before applying. Visit our ‘Eligibility and entry requirements’ page to find out more about our English language requirements.
Before you Apply
Browse our BBSRC NWD in Bioscience projects and discover one you're passionate about that matches your interests, ambitions and goals.
Applicants must make direct contact with preferred supervisors before applying. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to meet with potential supervisors, prior to submitting a formal online application.
How to Apply
All applications should be made via our specific BBSRC NWDP in Bioscience online application form. This is a separate application process specifically for all candidates for this scheme. Applications should not be made through either university’s usual online application system.
You must submit your application form along with the required supporting documents by the deadline date. You can select up to two projects on one single application, noting the title of each project from the advert and the supervisor name. This can include two projects from one institution or a project from each institution.
Before you complete your application you should prepare the following supporting documents:
- CV
- Personal statement
- Degree certificates and transcripts (if your qualification is still pending, please ensure this is clear on your application form and you can send this to us at a later date)
- Two references
- Evidence of English language qualifications (if completed)
Complete the application form: https://forms.office.com/e/HVXALrVa0P
Once you have completed your application, you'll receive a confirmation email and you should reply to this email with all of your supporting documentation as soon as possible to: nwd-bbsrc.applications@manchester.ac.uk
Deadline: Friday, 31 January 2025, 5pm
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
If you need help with this stage of the process, or have any queries regarding your eligibility (such as if you achieved unexpectedly low degree results due to extenuating circumstances), please contact the Doctoral Admissions team for advice at fbmh.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full Equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on the website.
Funding Notes
These studentships are available to UK and international applicants, and provide funding for tuition fees and stipend at the UKRI rate, subject to eligibility, for four years. This does not include any costs associated with relocation. This scheme is open to both the UK and international applicants.
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