Fungal pathogen evolution in a warming world: consequences for human health and biodiversity

"The PhD student will study the thermal adaptation of various important fungal pathogens involved in human and wildlife disease, namely Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, a global amphibian pathogen causing amphibian chytridiomycosis (Clare et al. 2016), Aspergillus fumigatus, an opportunistic pathogen of plants and animals including humans (Meis et al. 2016) and Fusarium oxysporum, an emerging crop disease. Recent phylogenetic work suggests virulence is associated with warmer environments, reinforcing the view that fungal pathogens were the driving evolutionary force behind vertebrate endothermy, homeothermy and (arguably) the extinction of the dinosaurs (Casadevall 2012). The successful applicant will establish the thermal performance of fungal isolates using a novel ‘gradient plate’ and will explore the evolutionary potential of pathogens under climate change through the development of computer models (e.g. Walters et al. 2012).


The project builds upon evolutionary epidemiology projects currently funded by NERC where several hundred isolates of these pathogens have already been isolated ready for use. Main project aims are to: 1) relate genetic variance in thermal performance e.g. thermal optima and critical maximum temperature, to underlying thermodynamic constraints and the selective environment, 2) validate model predictions by quantifying genetic variance for thermal performance curve biophysical variables using a novel gradient plate approach on a) hundreds of readily available genome-sequenced isolates for B. dendrobatidis, A. fumigatus and F. oxysporum and b) strains subject to laboratory evolution under various thermal regimes, 3) identify genes associated with isolate variation and their possible relationships to biophysical variables and 4) review and adjust the assumptions of the theoretical models given empirical evidence.

The student will develop several skill sets identified as ‘most wanted’ in the biological and environmental sciences by UK Research Councils, including modelling, data management, numeracy and risk and uncertainty. Specifically, training will be provided in the following areas: 1) mathematical biology and its application to population genomics, enzyme kinetics and epidemiology, 2) computer programming and its application to Individual-Based Modelling, simulations and scenarios and 3) statistically robust experimental design and practice. Full details at: https://mhasoba.pythonanywhere.com/qmee_cdt/default/view_proposals/view/proposals/36

We are seeking a strongly motivated person with BSc, and ideally MSc degree, in biology or a related discipline. The applicant should have good English language and presentation skills. We provide training in modelling and quantitative skills but the applicant should highlight evidence of their enthusiasm and aptitude to learn them, such as the type of data analyses undertaken in their previous research projects or their use of R, for example. Previous experience with fungi and experimental design is an advantage.

The position is funded for 3.5 years (competitive funding is obtained through the QMEE CDT: http://www.imperial.ac.uk/qmee-cdt/). Stipend and conditions are based on NERC PhD studentships. UK residents (3+ years) are entitled to full funding and tuition, EU applicants are entitled to partial funding. Starting date is 1 October 2017.

If you are interested in this position, please send your CV, along with a letter of motivation and the contact details of two references as a single PDF to Richard Walters ([Email Address Removed]). Deadline for applications is 19 January 2017. For questions, please use the same email address as above.

The University of Reading and Imperial College London are strong advocates of equality and diversity in research and teaching and particularly encourage women to apply.
"