Adapt or die? Understanding how bacterial biofilms evolve under stress (WEBBER_Q20DTPR2)

Project Description

Most bacteria on earth exist within a biofilm; a community of aggregated cells. Biofilms are important in many industrial contexts and most bacterial infections include biofilms. One hallmark of biofilms is their extreme resistance to antimicrobials. However, very little is known about how bacteria in biofilms evolve and adapt to stress. We have developed a biofilm evolution model and this project aims to study how mixed communities of bacteria of different species (as seen in nature) evolve in response to stress. Using a combination of molecular microbiology, genetics and metagenomics the project will explore how bacterial populations respond to stress and, in particular how stress influences movement of mobile DNA elements such as plasmids. The student will join a large community of molecular microbiologists within the [Employer hidden] in a brand new, purpose built building with state of the art facilities. The [Employer hidden] is based on the Norwich Research Park – home to one of the largest groups of microbiologists in Europe and the student will join a large cohort of graduate researchers with exceptional training opportunities.

The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NRPDTP) offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP students undertake a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS) during their study. The placement offers exciting and invaluable work experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team. Students with, or expecting to attain, at least an upper second class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply.

Funding Notes

This project is awarded with a 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NRPDTP) PhD studentship. The studentship includes payment of tuition fees (directly to the University), a stipend for each year of the studentship (2021/2 stipend rate: £15,609), and a Research Training Support Grant for each year of the studentship of £5,000 p.a..

Application

Please note that all international awards have been made for our programme for 2021 so we will not be accepting applications from international candidates, as defined by UKRI’s guidance on International Eligibility criteria for UKRI funded studentships – View Website

Visit our website for further information on eligibility and how to apply: https://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk/

Our partners value diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background.