Benthic microbial biofilm communities play vital roles in nutrient/organic matter cycling, ecosystem productivity, food web dynamics and coastal habitat provision and protection1. Benthic microbes are numerous and adaptable, but we have limited information on how microbial systems respond to the combined challenges of climate change and other anthropogenic stressors. Climate change and microplastic (MP) pollution are two of the most challenging global environmental issues of our time yet their combined effects remain understudied.
Knowledge of ecosystems resilience to multiple pressures such as increasing temperatures, pH changes, heatwaves and various and emerging contaminants such as microplastics and associated contaminants is lacking but fundamental. Microplastic exposure may influence biofilm community biomass and structure as well as key biogeochemical processes and functions, both directly2-5 and indirectly as a vector for other contaminants6. Similarly, climate related changes6-9 are known to alter the structure and function of benthic biofilm communities. These stressors may interact and exacerbate one another10 but we have limited knowledge of these multi-stressor effects on ecosystem function.
This interdisciplinary project will combine field and laboratory experiments to examine the effect of selected multiple stressors on the structure and function of benthic microbial biofilms in a variety of sedimentary systems including unvegetated and vegetated habitats selected across freshwater, brackish and marine systems. The project will focus on the multi-stressor effects on primary productivity and ecosystem metabolism, carbon and nitrogen cycling at the sediment-water interface. A range of techniques and skills will be developed including measuring CO2 and O2 fluxes in the lab and field, determining carbon and nitrogen concentrations and fluxes from water and sediment samples, hyperspectral imaging, biochemical analysis of biofilms and taxonomic analysis of the microbial communities using traditional methods of taxonomic identification (microscopy) and NGS sequencing.
The ideal candidate will have a strong academic record with a 2.1 or above undergraduate Honours degree and ideally a MSc degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant field. This may be marine/freshwater biology, environmental science or biology, marine ecology but other fields may be considered if your experience is relevant. We are looking for a highly organised and self-motivated individual who enjoys working as part of a team. Some relevant laboratory experience would be desirable and experience with mesocosm set-up/maintenance and fieldwork would be beneficial, as would some basic knowledge of biochemistry. The ideal candidate would have a good background in experimental design, data handling and analysis and have excellent English communication and scientific writing skills, however training and skills development is integrated into this PhD program. A full driving license to drive in the UK would be desirable but is not essential.
Supervision
The multidisciplinary supervisory team consists of Dr Julie Hope (Primary, Scottish Oceans Institute (SOI), University of St Andrews), Prof. David Paterson (SOI, University of St Andrews) and Dr Tony Gutierrez (School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot Watt University). The successful candidate will also be enrolled in the MASTS Graduate School for the PhD candidate to take advantage of the various skills development and training opportunities. The successful candidate will be based at the SOI.
For any informal enquiries about the PhD project please contact Dr Julie Anne Hope [Email Address Removed]
Information on the Scottish Oceans Institute, Super DTP, MASTS and life at The University of St Andrews can be found at:
https://soi.st-andrews.ac.uk
https://superdtp.st-andrews.ac.uk/
http://www.masts.ac.uk
https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/why/life/
Timeline
The closing date for applications is Sunday 7th May 2023 with interviews for shortlisted candidates shortly after. Candidates should be available to start in October 2023.
How to apply
Please make a formal application to the School of Biology through our Online Application Portal.
The following documents are required;
- CV
- Cover letter/ personal statement stating why you are suitable for this position
- An outline of your own research proposal for this project (1-2 page max)
- Contact details for 2 referees
- Academic qualifications
- English language qualification (if applicable).
Funding
Funding for this 3.5 year project will cover Home (UK) fees and may be completed part time (50% FTE). A yearly stipend will be provided based on RCUK rates (£17,668 for the 2022/23 academic year) and additional funding is available for research training and professional development.