Developing non-model microorganisms for a Net Zero future

This project intends to leverage the power of engineering biology / synthetic biology to contribute innovative solutions for climate change mitigation. Microorganisms have been converting CO2 into organic compounds for billions of years, yet their role in enabling humankind to become carbon neutral has been underutilised. This is in large part due to the relatively small number of model organisms that are used in microbial biotechnology, so far none of them deriving from CO2-rich environments. In this project we will explore the diversity and genetic tractability of microorganisms inhabiting geothermal springs, in order to develop new microbial chassis for CO2 upcycling.

Geothermal springs in Iceland are subject to naturally high CO2 fluxes from volcanic and tectonic activity, and are inhabited by often prolific microbial communities. Light-independent carbon fixation is the predominant mode of primary production at temperatures above 40-50°C, though this ability is widespread in cooler springs too. This represents an attractive opportunity to apply this natural proficiency to our biggest environmental problem to date: the burden of anthropogenic CO2 in our atmosphere.

Using a combination of metagenomics-informed culturing and engineering biology approaches, we will test the following research questions:

1. Which CO2-fixing community members can be isolated? Who (exactly) are they?

2. Are these isolates genetically tractable?

3. Can the range of value-added products from CO2 be enhanced through genome engineering?

4. How do these new chassis compare to CO2-enriched stable communities?

The project will build on a BBSRC Strategic Longer and Larger Award (sLoLa) that seeks to understand the rules of life in microbiomes from CO2-rich geothermal springs. It will therefore benefit from substantial metagenomic, multi-omics and modelling data generated through the sLoLa. The ultimate goal of the sLoLa project is to harness CO2-fixing microorganisms to convert waste CO2 emissions to metabolic by-products of added value, such as low-value high-yield platform chemicals (e.g. polymer precursors) and high-value low-yield fine chemicals (e.g. pharmaceuticals).

The PhD student will receive broad interdisciplinary training including (meta)genomic bioinformatics (esp. metabolic predictions and phylogenomics), novel microbial cultivation / isolation approaches, and genome engineering tools.

Eligibility

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend contacting the lead supervisor, Dr Sophie Nixon, for this project before you apply: sophie.nixon@manchester.ac.uk.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor(s) for this project before you apply.

How to apply

Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-fap

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:

• Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
• Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
• CV
• Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it).
• Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
• English Language certificate (if applicable)

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.

We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).

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