Current PhD positions available in microbial ecology
The Centre for Microbiome Research (CMR) is now recruiting motivated individuals for PhD positions in the field of microbial ecology. The CMR team was founded in 2020 by Professor Gene Tyson, a world-leading expert in microbial ecology. Professor Tyson and his team are actively involved in the development of novel culture-independent molecular approaches and bioinformatic tools, and their application to answer important questions about microbial communities across a range of ecosystems. The team is made up of researchers with diverse expertise within microbial ecology and genomics, providing an intellectually robust and collaborative environment. The centre is a part of the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and is located at the Translational Research Institute (TRI) in Woolloongabba, Brisbane. As part of CMR successful students will have access to state-of-the-art computing, laboratory facilities and expertise.
Selection criteria:
• A BSc Hons degree or equivalent in a relevant field (microbiology, genomics or biochemistry)
• First-class honours (H1)
• A general interest in microbiology
• Excellent communication skills, motivation and the ability to work as part of a team
• Ideally have experience in bioinformatics, microscopy, anaerobic culture and/or molecular cloning and heterologous expression.
Candidates will receive a tax-exempt living allowance of $28,092 per annum with an additional top-up of up to $5,000 per annum will considered for outstanding applicants. In addition to the living allowance stipend, the successful applicant will receive student allocation funding of up to $8,000 towards ancillary project costs such as conference travel. International students will receive a full tuition fee sponsorship but must currently be located within Australia. To apply, please send your cover letter, CV and academic transcript to Dr Simon McIlroy (simon.mcilroy@qut.edu.au). These positions are to start ASAP and are open until filled.
Available positions:
Adaptive evolution of anaerobic methanotrophic (ANME) archaea mediating methane oxidation in freshwater environments: The as-yet-uncultured archaeal lineage Methanoperedenaceae are anaerobic methanotrophs with a key role in mitigating the atmospheric release of methane in freshwater environments. The metabolic diversity of these microorganisms directly links methane with several key biochemical cycles and suggests a remarkable ability of these microorganisms to adapt to diverse environmental conditions. The overall aim of this PhD project will be to uncover the metabolic diversity of the Methanoperedenaceae and to understand the evolutionary mechanisms responsible for these adaptations. The project will utilise cutting-edge meta-omic and single cell visualisation techniques. Three positions are available with two starting ASAP and the other early 2021. Supervisors: Dr Simon McIlroy & Prof. Gene Tyson.
Illuminating the microbial world using genome-based fluorescence microscopy: Our understanding of microbial diversity on earth has been fundamentally changed by metagenomic characterisation of natural ecosystems. Traditional approaches for visualising microbial communities are time-consuming and provide limited information about the identity of specific microorganisms. The proposed research aims to combine single cell genomics and super resolution microscopy for novel, high-throughput, genome-based techniques to visualise microorganisms, plasmids and viruses, with strain level specificity. The application of these highly scalable approaches will provide comprehensive and unprecedented insight into the fine-scale dynamics and evolution of environmentally and biotechnologically important microbial communities. Two positions are available with one starting ASAP and the other early 2021. Supervisors: Prof. Gene Tyson, Dr Simon McIlroy and Dr Ben Woodcroft.
Read more information here
