Degree type
PhD
Closing date
18 July 2022
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic/International
About the research project
Like humans, microalgae and other plankton rely on bacteria – their unique microbiomes. Metabolically active microbiomes are essential for primary production in the ocean and contribute to development of harmful algal blooms (HABs). Imbalanced or depleted microbiomes can substantially alter the way plankton respond to environmental change, lead to disease and/or death of the host plankton cell, or modify production of marine biotoxins that poison humans of marine animals. Plankton cell microbiomes differ substantially from the background seawater microbial community, but how they are selectively recruited, and the principles governing community assembly remain unknown. This project aims to examine key parameters governing recruitment and development of phylogenetic and functional diversity of phytoplankton microbiomes using synthetic microbiome models, microbiome recruitment experiments, and microbial community profiling using high-throughput DNA sequencing.
Primary Supervisor
Meet A/Prof Chris BolchFunding
Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:
- a living allowance stipend of $28,854 per annum (2022 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
- a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
- a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)
If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.
As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.
Eligibility
Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.
Selection Criteria
The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.
Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:
- An undergraduate/postgraduate degree in either Biological or Health Sciences related areas
- Background and experience in phycology, microbiology, and/or molecular biology
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- Demonstrated computing and analytical skills
- Experience with collecting and analysing high-throughput sequencing (NGS data)
- Experience in bioinformatics
Application process
There is a three-step application process:
- Select your project, and check you meet the eligibility and selection criteria;
- Contact the Primary Supervisor, A/Prof Chris Bolch to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
- Submit an application by the closing date listed above.
- Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
- As part of your application, you will be required to submit a covering letter, a CV including 2 x referees and your project research proposal.
Following the application closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.
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