PhD Studentship: Interactive Effects of Antibiotics and Temperature on Freshwater Bacteria Sponsored by NERC – TREES DLA Award

Section 1 - Project Details:

Studentship Start Date: 22/09/2025

Principal Supervisor Name: Julia Reiss Julia.reiss@brunel.ac.uk

Other Contacts: Thomas Miller Thomas.miller@brunel.ac.uk

Project Description:

Freshwater ecosystems face increasing stress from pharmaceutical pollution and climate change. Rising temperatures might enhance antibiotic efficacy and, when combined with antibiotic mixtures, this inhibits bacterial growth—especially in already temperature-stressed bacteria. These interacting stressors can amplify ecological impacts. To generalize our findings, we propose experiments testing antibiotic mixtures across temperature scenarios in diverse freshwater bacteria. This research aims to improve predictions of how combined stressors influence bacterial communities and broader ecosystem responses.

Skills/Experience Required:

Candidates should have an undergraduate degree (first or upper second class) or equivalent qualification in Ecology, Zoology, Environmental Sciences or a related field. Experience in quantitative research in biology is essential. Desirable criteria include experience in standard laboratory techniques (including microscopy) and strong numerical skills.

Month when Interviews will take place: July 

Section 2 - Studentship (Funding) Details:

Name of Funder: NERC 

Structure: Stipend plus Tuition Fees

Duration: 42 Months (3.5 Years)

Eligibility: Home Applicants  

Stipend Amount: £20,780 + London weighting. (NERC stipend, increase hasn’t been published yet)

Section 3

Please note the following:

• Applications will be submitted to the College PGR Office at emma.smith@brunel.ac.uk via the above 'Apply' link in the first instance for an eligibility check;
• If selected, applicants should be interviewed by a panel comprising of the Principal Supervisor and a minimum of one other independent member of academic staff who will not be a supervisor (but could be a Research Development Advisor). Industry partner representatives can be interview panel members.

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