Location
Living Systems Institute, Streatham Campus, Exeter
The University of Exeter’s Faculty of Health and Life Sciences is inviting applications for a PhD studentship funded by the Royal Society and the Faculty to commence in September 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter.
Project Description
Phytoplankton underpin ocean biogeochemistry. Changes in species composition and cellular metabolisms of phytoplankton assemblages reshape the ecosystem processes they mediate, with cascading effects on nutrient bioavailability in the surface oceans and the carbon exported to the deep ocean. However, and despite the foundational role of phytoplankton, a predominant type of control on these algal populations is still largely overlooked: viral infection.
Viruses are the most abundant biological entities in the oceans. The formidable number of infections occurring in oceans means that many phytoplankton are under an altered physiological state, overridden by viral genes. However, virtually nothing is known about the physiology of infected phytoplankton and how they interact with their environment. This interdisciplinary PhD project will aim to determine how viral infection alters the uptake of nutrients by their algal host cells by combining metagenomics, proteomics, and structural biology approaches to identify the molecular and phenotypic changes induced by infection using a virus-alga model system.
The PhD student will use both bioinformatic and experimental methods to (1) investigate the diversity and geographical distribution of viral transporter genes; (2) determine the nutrient uptake profiles of infected algal cultures; (3) identify and phenotype putative viral transporters of unknown function.
The PhD project will provide experimental data that will be used to develop molecular tools to monitor and evaluate in situ virus-controlled uptakes of nutrients. This project will determine how viral infection can alter the physiology of phytoplankton and will deliver the tools required to understand how this quantitatively important physiological state affects oceanic ecosystem functioning.
This award provides annual funding to cover Home tuition fees and a tax-free stipend. For students who pay Home tuition fees the award will cover the tuition fees in full, plus at least £18,622 per year tax-free stipend. Students who pay international tuition fees are eligible to apply, but should note that the award will only provide payment for part of the international tuition fee and no stipend.
International applicants need to be aware that you will have to cover the cost of your student visa, healthcare surcharge and other costs of moving to the UK to do a PhD.
The conditions for eligibility of home fees status are complex and you will need to seek advice if you have moved to or from the UK (or Republic of Ireland) within the past 3 years or have applied for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
Entry requirements
Applicants for this studentship must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of science or technology.
If English is not your first language you will need to meet the required level as per our guidance at https://www.exeter.ac.uk/pg-research/apply/english/
How to Apply
In the application process you will be asked to upload several documents:
• CV
• Letter of application (outlining your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake the project).
• Transcript(s) giving full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained (this should be an interim transcript if you are still studying)
• Two references from referees familiar with your academic work. If your referees prefer, they can email the reference direct to [Email Address Removed] quoting the studentship reference number.
• If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country you will need to submit evidence of your proficiency in English.
The closing date for applications is midnight on Monday 7th August 2023. Interviews will be held in the week commencing Monday 28th August 2023.
If you have any general enquiries about the application process please email [Email Address Removed] or phone 0300 555 60 60 (UK callers) +44 (0) 1392 723044 (EU/International callers)
Project-specific queries should be directed to the main supervisor - Dr Adam Monier [Email Address Removed]
For more information or to apply click here - Award details | Funding and scholarships for students | University of Exeter
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