PhD Studentship - Understanding the Rules of Life in Microbiomes Using Stable Isotope Labelling

[Annual tax-free stipend at UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26, subject to annual uplift), tuition fees paid, stipend expected to increase each year.] This 3.5-year PhD studentship at The University of Manchester offers an exciting opportunity to investigate the fundamental rules of life in microbiomes using advanced stable isotope labelling techniques. Microbial communities in geothermal springs are capable of efficient CO2-driven carbon cycling, presenting promising systems for CO2 capture and bioconversion that could surpass current technologies. These communities are not only resistant to problematic sulfur and nitrogen compounds but also possess relatively low complexity, making them ideal for studying the division of labour and resource sharing among community members. The project will focus on developing methods for compound-specific, multi-isotope metabolite analysis using state-of-the-art mass spectrometers and sophisticated data analysis pipelines. This research will contribute to a deeper understanding of microbiome adaptability and resilience, and will enable engineering of these systems for environmental and biotechnological applications. The studentship is part of a £5M BBSRC sLoLa initiative, providing numerous opportunities for interdisciplinary training and collaboration within a multi-disciplinary team. Funding includes a generous annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26, subject to annual uplift), with tuition fees fully covered. The stipend is expected to increase each year. The position is open to both UK and overseas students, with a start date in October 2026. Applicants should hold, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering discipline. Relevant experience and a clear motivation for the project should be included in the application. To apply, candidates should submit their application online at https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425 and contact the main supervisor, Prof Andrew Pitt, at [email protected] , providing details of their academic background, current level of study, relevant experience, and a paragraph outlining their motivation for pursuing this PhD. Early application is advised as the advert may be removed before the official deadline of 18 May 2026.