The Centre for Microbiome Research (CMR) within the School of Biomedical Sciences at QUT is looking for talented individuals to undertake PhDs applying cutting-edge laboratory and bioinformatic approaches to the study of complex microbial communities across a range of topics and environments.

These PhD positions will be supervised by Associate Professor Simon McIlroy, Professor Phil Pope and Professor Gene Tyson.

International applicants are welcome.

1. Gut microbiome impacts in animal health and nutrition
   
   The gut microbiome has major influence in the health and nutrition of mammals and is a particular focal point in research dedicated to improving human wellbeing and the sustainability and environmental impact of production animals.
   
   These PhD projects will aim to improve understanding into the intimate relationships between gut microbes and dietary fibre, with gained knowledge applied to the design and application of prebiotic fibres otherwise known as microbiota-directed fibres (MDFs).
   
   The project will apply state-of-the-art lab and computational-based molecular tools to study combinations of pure culture, synthetic microbial consortia and in vitro enrichments.
   
   Expected learning outcomes are enhanced microbiome monitoring and predictive capabilities that will improve the application of MDFs and precision microbiome reprogramming strategies.
   
2. Metabolic diversity of the anaerobic methanotrophic (ANME) archaea mediating methane oxidation in freshwater environments
   
   The as-yet uncultured archaeal lineage Methanoperedenaceae are anaerobic methanotrophs with a key role in mitigating the atmospheric release of the potent greenhouse gas methane—making them critical to maintaining Earth’s climate.
   
   The metabolic diversity of these microorganisms directly links methane with several key biochemical cycles and suggests a remarkable ability of these microorganisms to adapt to diverse environmental conditions.
   
   The overall aim of this PhD project will be to uncover the metabolic diversity of the Methanoperedenaceae and to understand the evolutionary mechanisms responsible for these adaptations (i.e. mobile genetic elements such as plasmids and viruses).
   
   The project will utilise cutting-edge synthetic biology, meta-omic and single cell visualisation techniques.
   
3. Understanding microbial responses to climate change
   
   Permafrost thaw induced by climate change will make up to 174 Pg of near-surface carbon available for microbial degradation and emission as CO2 and CH4 into the atmosphere.
   
   This project will aim to improve prediction of these processes through genome-centric meta-omic analysis of microbial communities in northern Sweden, where a decade of intense molecular and biogeochemical study has been undertaken.
   
   This dataset provides a unique opportunity to examine how microbial communities are changing alongside our climate.
   
   The overall aim of this project is to examine how individual microbial community members and entire communities assemble, adapt and acclimatise to changing environmental conditions.
   

More about the CMR and our projects

The projects will be based at the CMR located at the Translational Research Institute (TRI) in Woolloongabba, Brisbane.

CMR was established in 2020 by Professor Tyson, an expert in the field of bioinformatics and microbial ecology.

Professor Tyson and his team are actively involved in the development of innovative culture-independent molecular approaches and bioinformatic tools, and their application to answer important questions about microbial communities across a range of ecosystems. The team is made up of researchers with diverse expertise within microbial ecology and genomics, providing an intellectually robust and collaborative environment.

As part of CMR the successful student will have access to state-of-the-art computing and laboratory facilities.

About the scholarship

The successful applicant will receive a living allowance stipend, tax exempt and indexed annually of $33,637 per annum for a period of three years with a top-up of $2,000 per annum for outstanding applicants.

In addition to the living allowance stipend, the successful applicant will receive student allocation funding of up to $6,000 towards ancillary project costs such as conference travel.

International students will receive a full tuition fee sponsorship.

Eligibility/application criteria

You must have:

• recently completed a BSc Hons degree or equivalent in a relevant field (bioinformatics, microbiology, genomics or biochemistry)
• received first-class honours (H1) or equivalent
• excellent communication skills, motivation and the ability to work as part of a team
• a general interest in microbiology and ideally you will also have experience with bioinformatics
• meet the academic eligibility requirement as set out in the QUT How to Apply website: QUT - How to apply

How to apply

Submit your expression of interest to Associate Professor Simon McIlroy at [email protected]

Your application must include:

• a cover letter indicating which project(s) you are most interested in
• an up-do-date CV
• full academic transcript
• a summary (up to 2 pages) of your research career to date
• details of three referees (email/address/contact number).

Application closing date

This opportunity will remain open until filled.

For more information

Please contact Associate Professor Simon McIlroy ([email protected]) and/or Professor Phil Pope ([email protected]) for further information.