NERC RED-ALERT CDT: Mobile genetic elements landscape in planktonic and sedimental microbiomes of Conwy catchment.

This project is one of a number that are in competition for funding from the Red-ALERT CDT, hosted by Bangor University for entry in September 2025.

Overview of the Research:

The meta-mobilome encompasses all mobile genetic elements (MGEs), including plasmids, viruses, transposons, and integrons. Prokaryotic MGEs carry genes influencing metabolism, antibiotic- and heavy-metal resistance (often co-localised), nutrient transport, immunity, and virulence. These MGEs significantly impact microbial fitness and drive microbial evolution and adaptation. This project will examine mobilomes found within mine-polluted microbial communities of the Conwy River. We will test the hypotheses that heavy metal and antibiotic resistance loci are colocalised in genomic islands, specific prokaryotic taxa, and/or MGEs and that certain prokaryotes are more likely to carry MGEs linked to these resistances than others.

Prokaryotic organisms associated with sediment show the highest tolerance to metals and antibiotics. Therefore, we argue sedimental, metal-polluted microbiomes are the ideal system to study MGE populations. This project will combine wet-lab molecular, bioinformatic, and comparative genomic approaches to study MGEs. Polluted sites affected by tailings from abandoned mines, together with unexposed “control” sites, will be sampled along the Conwy River. High quality metagenomic DNA will be subjected to sequencing and metagenome-assembled genome (MAG) contigs will be assembled. From MAG contigs, we will predict genomic islands, circular (plasmid), putative viral, non-viral, cryptic and MGE-related elements. Functional annotations alongside taxonomic assignment will allow us to analyse co-occurrence networks of genetic loci for antibiotic- and heavy metal-resistance, and host range determination. Chemical analysis will be used to establish concentrations of metals, redox, pH, etc, to link environmental parameters with biomarkers of the microbial resistome.

Our study will identify the abundance of MGEs from metagenomic datasets and MAGs, pinpointing microbial taxa that can quickly acquire or spread resistance markers. It will analyse the distribution of antibiotic resistance loci from wastewater pathogens and assess the risks of their mobilisation or horizontal transfer at elevated metal concentrations.

This research will be undertaken within the Centre of Environmental Biotechnology, Bangor University with an access to state-of-the-art lab as well as to external training opportunities to develop an advanced skillset. Furthermore, there will be opportunities to contribute to the global scientific dialogue in these areas by presenting findings at national and international scientific conferences, and local public events.

Project Keywords: Mine-polluted spots, mobile genetic elements, antibiotic-resistance genes, heavy-metal resistance genes, metal-polluted prokaryotic mobilome

Industrial Partner:

Natural Resources Wales and Dwr Cymru Welsh Water are both industrial partners on this project.

Candidate Requirements:

Applicants should hold, or expect to receive, a First Class or good Upper Second-Class UK Honours degree (or the equivalent) in a relavent subject. A master’s level qualification would also be advantageous.

Candidates shall be good honours graduates in appropriate subject areas (microbiology), of a recognised university or comparable university, or persons holding equivalent qualifications who show evidence of exceptional ability, or who have demonstrated their ability in graduate studies. 

*Non-UK applicants must meet the programme’s English language requirement prior to a formal offer being made. 

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion:

We value a diverse research environment and aim to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated and respected. We welcome and encourage applications from under-represented groups.

If you have circumstances that you feel we should be aware of that have affected your educational attainment, then please feel free to tell us about it in your application form. The best way to do this is a short paragraph at the end of your personal statement.

Enquiries and Applications:

Formal applications should be submitted via the Red-ALERT CDT online application form prior to the closing date of this advert.