Understanding the genetics of the multigenerational effects caused by chronic exposures to persistent chemicals (e.g. pesticides, microplastics, perfluoroalkyls)

The objective of this PhD is to investigate the biological effects of exposure to persistent chemicals in long-term exposures that occur over multiple generations. The study will conduct experiments with the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (one of the most widely used model organisms in biological and medical research) to understand how sensitivity to chronic exposure to long-lived chemicals and microplastics changes over time across different generations. The project will conduct experiments to assess the genetics, epigenetic and physiological response to the nematode to long-lived persistent pollutants. Response of key physiological systems relevant to “fitness” will be assessed include response of DNA (including the epigenome), immune function and life-cycle traits

 The specific aims are to:

1. Assess generational changes in sensitivity for a range of life-cycle related endpoints (reproduction, growth, life-span) in C. elegans exposed to different types of persistent pollutants, including microplastics.
2. Investigate if sensitizations for life-cycle endpoints resulting from multigenerational exposure is replicated in populations with different genetic diversity;
3. Assess the role of genome instability in multigenerational sensitivity through measurements of base changes; DNA mutation repair rate; DNA mutation frequency and chromosomal level changes.
4. Investigate the role of epigenetic mechanisms in heightened sensitivity by combining RNAseq experiments with epigenetic analysis (DNA methylation, histone modification and microRNA sequencing).

Approach and Expected results:

1. Identify the direction of changes of sensitivity following chronic multigenerational exposures to persistent chemicals and microplastics
2. Assess the role of genetic diversity for mitigating generational changes in sensitivity through selection,
3. Assess the how genetic changes contribute to multigenerational change in sensitivity under chronic exposure conditions.
4. Assess the role of the epigenome in sensitivity to chronic exposure for persistent pollutants and microplastics.

The Scientific Environment:

The PhD will be within the Pollution Science Area in the Ecotoxicology and Chemical Risk Group at UKCEH, Wallingford, United Kingdom. The PhD position is part of a large Marie Curie Innovative Training Network called CHRONIC, funded by the European Commission under the Horizon 2020 program. The overall aim of the CHRONIC project is to understand and integrate, into risk-assessment practice, the effect of long-term, low-dose chronic chemical exposure and how these interact to cause interactive effects with other environmental stressors.

The PhD project will be primarily supervised by Prof David Spurgeon ay UK CEH, however, the candidate will be enrolled at Wageningen University (supervisor Prof. Nico Van Den Brink), which will be the degree awarding university. The position is available for a 3-year period and we ask for:

•  A master degree in a relevant field such as Biology, Zoology, Genetics or Biochemistry would be preferable
• Ideally, you will have an interest in understanding how species response to environmental condition (e. g. chemical pollution, climate extremes) and will be comfortable with working in an experimental lab environment.
• Eagerness to participate in the CHRONIC PhD training program and willingness to carry out research in the United Kingdom, Denmark,. Belgium and to work with researcher across Europe.
• Ability to work effectively and communicate well within an international research team in a collaborative spirit working together and sharing information and experiences.
• Eligibility based on the rules set by the European Committee (see above).

The position is available for a 3-year period and we ask for:

•  A master degree in a relevant field such as Biology, Zoology, Genetic or Biochemistry would be preferable
• Ideally, you will have an interest in understanding how species response to environmental stressors (e.g. chemical and microplastic pollution) and will be comfortable with working in an experimental lab environment.
• Eagerness to participate in the CHRONIC PhD training program and willingness to carry out research in the United Kingdom, Belgium, The Netherland and to work with researcher from laboratories across Europe.
• Ability to work effectively and communicate well within an international research team in a collaborative spirit working together and sharing information and experiences.
• Eligibility based on the rules set by the European Committee (see above).

To apply, please send the following:

• Motivation Letter, stating the PhD project you are applying for and detailing your motivation and stating your suitability for the project. Please indicate in your motivation letter why you believe you are particularly suitable to work on this project.
• CV
• Diploma and transcripts of records (BSc and MSc) to be provides when or after applying

Full contact details (Name, address, telephone & email) of 2-3 referees.

For an informal chat, please contact the PhD programme Supervisor, Dave Spurgeon on [Email Address Removed].