About the Project
This project is one of a number that are in competition for funding from the NERC Great Western Four+ Doctoral Training Partnership (GW4+ DTP). The GW4+ DTP consists of the Great Western Four alliance of the University of Bath, University of Bristol, Cardiff University and the University Exeter plus six Research Organisation partners: British Antarctic Survey, British Geological Survey, Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, the Met Office, the Natural History Museum and Plymouth Marine Laboratory. The partnership aims to provide a broad training in earth and environmental sciences, designed to train tomorrow’s leaders in earth and environmental science. For further details, see https://nercgw4plus.ac.uk/
Supervisory team –
Lead Supervisor: Dr Ben Ashby, University of Bath, Department of Mathematical Sciences
Co-Supervisor: Prof. Angus Buckling, University of Exeter, Environment and Sustainability Institute
Project background -
Understanding the fundamental processes and mechanisms that underpin host-parasite co-evolution is a major challenge in evolutionary biology and environmental science, with important implications for improving disease management and gaining insights into core biological phenomena. Our knowledge of co-evolution is largely based on single interactions, but hosts and parasites do not exist in isolation; they interact with other harmful and beneficial species in complex communities. Yet precisely how these communities affect host-parasite co-evolution is unknown.
To address this fundamental question in evolutionary biology, this interdisciplinary project brings together expertise in mathematical biology (Bath) to model species interactions, and microbiology (Exeter) to test predictions experimentally. Joining a longstanding research collaboration between Dr Ashby (Bath) and Prof. Buckling (Exeter), the student will use mathematical modelling to explore how the composition and nature of the community affects the outcome of host-parasite co-evolution and will have the opportunity to test key predictions using experimental evolution of microbial communities.
Project aims and methods -
The central aim of the project is to develop general theory integrating network analysis, community ecology, and evolutionary biology to predict how host-parasite co-evolution unfolds in complex communities. The student will have flexibility to work with the supervisors in project design and research direction. For example, the student may explore how community structure and composition affect co-evolutionary dynamics, or how certain types of communities (e.g. antagonistic or mutualistic) strengthen, weaken, or fundamentally change the co-evolutionary dynamics of a focal host and parasite. The student may also investigate the dynamics of diffuse co-evolution between multiple hosts and parasites (e.g. how do predictions differ when multiple hosts and parasites co-evolve?). The student will apply a wide range of modelling techniques to address these questions, including approaches from population genetics, quantitative genetics, adaptive dynamics, and evolutionary game theory, along with numerical analysis and individual based modelling.
In addition to the core theoretical work, the student will have the opportunity to visit the Buckling laboratory to test predictions through experimental evolution of bacteria and viruses. It is expected in year 1 that the student will make short visits to the Buckling lab to learn biological techniques (if required) and develop projects with the experimental team. Subsequent visits in years 2-4 to carry out experiments may take place over longer periods if necessary.
Candidate requirements -
A suitable candidate will have a strong background in mathematics and a keen interest in modelling biological systems. Prior laboratory experience would be ideal but is not required.
Applications –
Candidates should apply using the relevant University of Bath online application form: https://www.bath.ac.uk/study/pg/applications.pl#math-sci
When completing the form, please state in the ‘Finance’ section that you wish to be considered for GW4+ DTP funding and quote the project title and lead supervisor’s name in the ‘Your research interests’ section. You may apply for more than one project if you wish but you should submit a separate personal statement for each one.
More information on how to apply may be found here:
https://www.bath.ac.uk/guides/how-to-apply-for-doctoral-study/
Anticipated start date: 30 September 2019
Funding Notes
NERC GW4+ DTP funding is for 3.5 years and is open to UK and EU applicants who have been resident in the UK since September 2016. A limited number of studentships may be available for EU applicants not meeting the residency requirement.
A studentship will provide UK/EU tuition fees, maintenance in line with the UKRI Doctoral stipend rate (£14,777 per annum, 2018/19 rate) and a generous budget for research expenses and training.
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