As glaciers melt, the microorganisms that they support get transported to downstream locations which feature vastly different environmental conditions. This project will focus on the ecological impact of glacial melt on glacial microbial communities as they travel from supraglacial environments to subglacial and periglacial environments, on their journey towards the coast.
Surface ice environments in the Polar regions fluctuate between 24 hours of light, and 24 hours of darkness. Wide ranging Arctic air temperatures influence glacial melt and therefore water availability. In the subglacial environment, perpetual darkness and high pressures feature, owing to the meters of ice that lie above. Once in the periglacial environments that lie adjacent to glaciers, the light returns, additional nutrient sources become available, and Arctic air temperatures have recently reached the high-teens to low-twenties (°C) during summertime.
This project will investigate three main themes:
1) Mechanisms that facilitate the release and capture of microbiota within glacial and periglacial environments.
2) The ability of transported communities to survive under the light, temperature, pressure, atmosphere and nutrient conditions presented in downstream locations.
3) Community establishment within downstream environments.
Through this project, the student will gain skills in microbial ecology, including fluorescent microscopy, molecular biology and ecological modelling. State-of-the-art low temperature/high pressure experimentation will furthermore be performed, alongside analytical geochemistry techniques and geochemical modelling.
TO APPLY:
Applicants are HIGHLY encouraged to get in touch with Dr Cameron prior to applying. Emails can be sent to [Email Address Removed]. Further details can be found at https://iapetus2.ac.uk/studentships/microbial-migration-and-adaptation-through-glacial-loss/ and application details can be found at https://iapetus2.ac.uk/how-to-apply/
Eligibility details can be found at https://www.iapetus2.ac.uk/how-to-apply/
IAPETUS2 is looking for candidates with the following qualities and backgrounds:
• A first or 2:1 undergraduate degree, or have relevant comparable experience – we welcome applications from those with non-traditional routes to PhD study;
• In addition, candidates may also hold or be completing a Masters degree in their area of proposed study or a related discipline; &
• An outstanding academic pedigree and research potential, such as evidenced through the publication of articles, participation in academic conferences and other similar activities.
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