Introduction. There is now a realisation both in the public and scientific communities that discarded plastic materials present a growing hazard to the natural environment and human health across the globe. Here, a major concern is the release of molecular breakdown products that alter the biochemistry of the exposed organisms. Since microbial life is abundant in the natural environment, it is hypothesised that they will be the most significantly impacted by any such effects. However, it remains unclear as to how microbes sense the presence of such molecules, and whether they could be adapting their behaviour or evolving to enable the detection of these compounds.
Aims, Objectives and Methods. This project aims to investigate the biochemical and genetic changes that occur to these microbes upon exposure to various small molecule degradants of plastics. The technical objectives are thus the:
- culturing of microbes in the presence of these compounds and the profiling of their growth behaviour;
- transcriptomic analysis to identify which genes have been expressed;
- proteomic DNA-binding analysis (e.g. reverse-ChIP) to identify the proteins that bind to the regulatory regions of differentially expressed genes (i.e. the transcription factors that are performing the molecular sensing of these compounds); and
- validation of transcription factor function in a model microbe (E. coli).
These experiments will be carried out in parallelised batches, with repeated analyses over several months, to profile the phenotypic and genotypic changes (if any). This time-resolved data will enable any adaptation of the microbes to be identified, and possibly also their evolution during this timeframe. The choice of degradant molecules will be informed by ongoing research in the primary supervisor’s laboratory on the chemical analysis of plastic breakdown.
Outcomes. This research will generate insights into how anthropogenic waste products impact the natural environment. Discoveries here will thus contribute towards tackling the global challenge of plastic waste, and thus lead to high impact publications. The discovery of new transcription factors would also lend themselves to technological applications that are relevant to ‘engineering biology’, a priority area for the BBSRC, and aligned with the UK Government’s ‘IS8’ Industrial Strategy.
Training and Environment. The student will enjoy access to cutting-edge laboratory facilities in a world-leading research institute. They will be supervised by experts in the relevant topics: LSW on chemical bioprocessing and ML on microbial adaptation. They will also be supported by technical experts in the relevant methods (Dr. Andy Hayes in Manchester, and Dr. Heather Felgate at the Quadram Institute, Norwich). Apart from the general training in microbiology, molecular biology and analytical chemistry, they will gain exposure to the application of high-throughput and automated workflows, and the manipulation of large bioinformatic datasets – all skills that underpin the modern industrial biotechnology sector.
Interdisciplinary Aspects. This is a genuinely multidisciplinary project involving microbiology, big-data ‘omics’ bioinformatics and analytical chemistry. Indeed, the aims of this research cannot be adequately addressed within the confines of any single discipline, and touch upon a global grand challenge with wider implications on environmental protection, conservation and biotechnology.
This project is expected to start in September 2027.
Before you apply: You should contact the project supervisors to learn more about the project and discuss whether it may be suitable for you.
How to apply:
To be considered for this project, you must submit a formal application through our online application portal. If you already have an applicant account, use this link to open an application for FSE PhD President's Doctoral Scholarship. If you do not yet have an applicant account, follow the account setup instructions. Once your account is set up, use this link to open an application for this programme.
When applying, please specify the full title and supervisor/s of the project, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees. You must also upload a Supporting Statement describing your motivation to apply to the project, your CV and transcripts of awarded and in-progress university qualifications. Please note late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester and central to all our activities. A diverse research community strengthens creativity, productivity and quality, while increasing the societal and economic impact of our work. We welcome applicants from all career paths, backgrounds and sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation or transgender status.
We welcome applications from candidates returning to study after a career break or experience in other roles. Flexible study arrangements may be available, including part-time study at 50%, 60% or 80%, subject to the requirements of the project and funder.
Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, at least an upper second-class undergraduate honours degree (2:1), or an equivalent qualification, in microbiology, genetics, molecular biology (or other relevant subject). Research experience in bacterial microbiology or bacterial genetics is desirable.
FSE_PDS
Funding Notes
Funding covers tuition fees, an annual stipend at the UKRI minimum rate (currently £21,805 per year) plus £1,000/annum enhancement, and a research training support grant of up to £20,000 for the full 4-year programme.
