[ES_JOBS_NET] Fully-funded 3-year PhD at QMUL & NHM, London: The role of the atmosphere in shaping and sustaining microbial communities on glaciers

[James Bradley]

Fully-funded 3-year PhD at Queen Mary University of London and the Natural
History Museum, London, UK.

Project title:
The role of the atmosphere in shaping and sustaining microbial communities
on glaciers

Supervisors:
James Bradley, Queen Mary University of London, UK
Anne Jungblut, Natural History Museum, UK

Co-supervisors:
Chris Greening, Monash University, Australia
Jackie Goordial, University of Guelph, Canada
Elizabeth Trembath-Reichert, Arizona State University, USA

Location:
Queen Mary University of London, UK.
The Natural History Museum, London, UK.

Application deadline:
3rd October 2022.

Start date:
January 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Summary:
The atmosphere forms a bridge between Earth’s major biomes, linking
terrestrial, aquatic, and glacial systems. The continual exchange,
transport and dispersal of microorganisms between the atmosphere and it’s
adjacent habitats shapes these environments via processes that are not yet
fully understood. The cryosphere shares many of the same characteristics as
the atmosphere, for example: low substrate availability, freezing
temperatures, and high UV radiation. This PhD project will examine the
ecological links between the atmosphere and the cryosphere – in particular,
glacier surfaces in polar regions. Using state-of-the-art genomic and
biogeochemical techniques, the student will investigate the role of the
atmosphere in shaping microbial communities in snow and ice habitats, as
well as in sustaining them by providing sources of energy. There will be
opportunities for fieldwork in Svalbard and/or other polar environments to
collect atmospheric samples, as well as samples of snow and glacier ice for
analyses. The student will collaborate across multi-disciplinary teams in
London (Queen Mary University of London and the Natural History Museum) and
internationally (Australia, Canada, and the USA), and be embedded into a
wider project that investigates the atmosphere as a microbial ecosystem.
This PhD project would suit a student with interests in environmental
microbiology, biogeochemistry and polar environments.

For further information please contact James Bradley (
james.bradley at qmul.ac.uk).

Application Deadline:
Apply before 3rd October 2022 for full consideration. We anticipate
interviews to be held during the week beginning 24th October. We anticipate
a start-date of January 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Eligibility Criteria and Candidate Profile:
The position is open to candidates of any nationality. Candidates must hold
a degree in the natural or physical sciences (e.g. Biology, Earth Sciences,
Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Geography, or related discipline). We are
looking for highly motivated, independent students with good communication
skills. Previous research experience and knowledge of microbiology and
biogeochemistry is highly desirable.

How to apply:
To apply, please click here:
https://mysis.qmul.ac.uk/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_ipp_lgn.login?process=siw_ipp_app&code1=RFQM-L8ZM-01&code2=0014

Your application must include a Personal Statement (2 pages max), Research
Proposal (1 page max), Curriculum Vitae (2 pages max), and the names and
contact details of up to three academic references. In your personal
statement, please identify your research interests, outline relevant
skills, training, experience and qualifications, and explain why you are
interested in this programme and how it fits your career development plans.
In your research proposal, please briefly outline how your research will
address one or more of the themes described in the project summary above.

Please also email Dr. James Bradley (james.bradley at qmul.ac.uk) prior to the
deadline to confirm your intention to apply.

English Language:
If you are from a non-English speaking country, you will need to provide
evidence of English language ability according to the QMUL policy for
postgraduate students. For candidates who have not yet met these
requirements, we will include this as part of your offer conditions.

Funding Notes:
This is a fully-funded 3-year position.
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