EPSRC Studentship in Civil Engineering

Reference Code: CI623

The ecology of putative estrogen degraders in the aqueous environment

Closing Date: 24th June 2013

Details:

Name of supervisors
Dr Russell Davenport, School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences 

Dr Wojciech Mrozik, School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences 

Dr Jan Dolfing, School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences   

Sponsor
Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)

Duration of the award
3.5 years

Project description
This project aims to enrich, identify and investigate the ecology of bacteria that can degrade steroidal estrogens in the aqueous environment. This will be achieved using a combination of conventional enrichment and culture techniques with molecular techniques that includes next generation sequencing. The fate and enhanced removal of estrogens is a critical contemporary challenge in which biology plays an important role. These chemicals are pervasive at very low concentrations in the aqueous environment and can have pronounced biological effects, e.g. feminisation and collapse of fish populations; prompting regulators to devise strategies and laws to reduce estrogens in the environment.

Value of the award and eligibility
This award is available to candidates who meet the ESPRC's eligibility criteria. A full award covers tuition fees at the UK/EU rate and an annual stipend of £13,726 (2013-14).

Person specification
Candidates must have a good class honours first degree in Science or Engineering, especially the biological sciences that includes a strong element of Microbiology or Biotechnology. The candidate should have laboratory experience and be technically skilled in the laboratory. They must have familiarity, and preferably experience, in the use of molecular microbial ecology techniques and/or enrichment methods. It is preferred if the candidate has a good level of computer literacy and statistics, is familiar with public biological databases and software for sequence analysis. The candidate must be able to confidently work independently and show initiative, but also be able to work well with others. Most of all, the candidate should demonstrate passion for exploratory science with a focus, ambition and determination to face and overcome challenges in pursuit of their goals.

How to apply
Please apply through the University’s online postgraduate application form inserting the reference number CI623 and selecting ‘PhD school of Civil Engineering and Geosciences’ as the programme of study. Only mandatory fields need to be completed, plus a covering letter and CV. The covering letter must state the title of the studentship, quote the reference number CI623 and state how your interests and experience relate to the project.

Please also send your covering letter and CV to Dr Russell Davenport at russell.davenport@ncl.ac.uk.

Further information
For further information, please contact:
Dr Russell Davenport
E-mail: russell.davenport@ncl.ac.uk