PhD Study : Computational approaches to the analysis of microbial communities

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Summary

Background and Challenges

As one of the most complicated anaerobic microbial ecosystems in nature, the rumen provides an environment with stable and favorable physiological conditions for microbial growth and fermentation. A better understanding of the composition of rumen microbial communities and the association between host genetic and microbial activities has important applications and implication in bioscience. Our recent research indicates that integrated metagenomics and network analysis holds great promises in this endeavour thanks to their abilities to reveal the full extent of microbial gene diversity and complex microbial interactions. It is envisaged that inter-disciplinary, inter-institutional and industrial collaborations provided by ongoing projects will support the development of the project. During the lifetime of the project there will be opportunities to spend period of secondments to some other partners with a top–up allowance of up to €2,000 per month to support travel, accommodation and subsistence costs.

Aim and Objectives

Based on the collaboration with members within the MetaPlat consortium (http://www.metaplat.eu), this project aims to develop a computational pipeline for the analysis of rumen microbial community. The main objectives include

(1) to understand the relationship between host genetic and microbiome composition and

(2) to identify networks of microbial genes associated with certain traits such as methane emissions.

Anticipated Research Outcome/Impact

A computational pipeline for network-based analysis of metagenomics data will be developed. The research will lead to both journal and conference publications. In addition, completion of the project will equip the student with a combination of programming, biomedical and data analytical skills that are highly sought after in industry and thus can significantly enhance the employability.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

  • First Class Honours (1st) Degree
  • Masters at 70%

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

  • Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
  • Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
  • Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
  • Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living

The Doctoral College at Ulster University

Key dates

Submission deadline
Monday 6 August 2018
12:00AM

Interview Date
mid August 2018

Preferred student start date
Mid September 2018

Applying

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