(BBSRC DTP) How do ecological processes shape the transmission and severity of disease in humans

Ecological processes can shape disease dynamics in humans and human populations. For example, at the ecosystem level, the distribution and abundance of insect vectors and alternative hosts can determine the frequency and severity of arbovirus outbreaks among humans. At the individual level, the ecological dynamics of host-associated (eg, gut or respiratory) microbiomes influence whether hosts suffer from outcomes including irritable bowel disease, asthma, arthritis, obesity, and autism1. Mathematical and statistical models are needed to understand mechanisms, predict outcomes, and plan interventions. For example, ecosystem models can predict how climate or land use change are likely to impact pathogen and vector densities, pathogen interactions with hosts, and disease prevalence. Community dynamics models predict the trajectories of microbiomes and thus the progression of disease in individuals. Understanding the likely dynamics of diseases or outbreaks can allow practitioners to prevent or prepare for worst-case scenarios. 

In this PhD, the student will student will master a range of quantitative approaches and gain experience with a variety of biological systems as they develop models to answer three distinct questions: 

1. How will changes in the density and species composition of vector communities driven by land use change affect the prevalence of arbovirus diseases in humans? The student will develop Ross-MacDonald models that allow for multiple species of hosts and vectors (eg, 2) and for pathogen adaptation to host and vector species. (Advisors: Gilman, Walton) 
2. How do bacteriophages shape the diversity and stability of microbiomes, and how does this affect asthma progression? The student will build on Lotka-Volterra models developed by Gilman and Papadopoulos to understand how phages impact asthma via the microbiome under the Anna Karenina Principle3,4. (Advisors: Gilman, Papadopoulos) 
3. How will climate change affect the distribution of fungal disease in humans? The student will develop mechanistic and phenomenological (eg, climate envelope) models5 to predict future distribution of fungal disease working from historical data on infection frequency, accounting for the uneven collection of historical data over space and time. (Advisors: Gilman, Bromley) 

The skill set the student develops during this PhD will prepare them work on any topic in disease ecology, and will be transferable to other quantitatively intensive fields in academia, industry, government, or NGOs. Students with formal training in maths, physics, or computer science and with a keen interest in ecology, or with formal training in ecology or biology and excellent quantitative skills would be well suited to this position.  

Eligibility

Applicants must have obtained or be about to obtain a First or Upper Second class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of science, engineering or technology. 

Before you Apply

Applicants must make direct contact with preferred supervisors before applying. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to meet with potential supervisors, prior to submitting a formal online application.

How To Apply

To be considered for this project you MUST submit a formal online application form - full details on eligibility how to apply can be found on the BBSRC DTP website https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/bbsrc-dtp/

Your application form must be accompanied by a number of supporting documents by the advertised deadlines. Without all the required documents submitted at the time of application, your application will not be processed and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you have any queries regarding making an application please contact our admissions team [Email Address Removed]

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