PhD Studentship - Linking Antimicrobial Resistance, Climate Warming, and Carbon use Efficiency in Arctic Soils University of East Anglia in United Kingdom

This PhD project at the University of East Anglia investigates the mechanisms driving antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in pioneer and extreme soil environments in the Arctic, with a focus on Svalbard. The research addresses the intersection of global warming and antibiotic contamination, exploring how these factors create new niches for antibiotic-resistant microbes and impact microbial carbon use efficiency (CUE). The project aims to unravel how climate warming and AMR affect microbial CUE, with experiments measuring CUE by AMR bacteria both in isolation and within Arctic soils. Additionally, the potential for AMR bacteria from wastewater in Svalbard settlements to colonise Arctic soils and alter their CUE will be studied.

The successful candidate will participate in sampling campaigns in Svalbard and receive training in advanced microbial techniques, including cultivation, quantitative PCR, amplicon-based sequencing, whole genome sequencing, and metagenomic analysis. The student will have opportunities to present research at national and international conferences and collaborate with partners in France and Italy. Applicants should have a strong background in microbial, soil, or environmental sciences (BSc/Masters in Microbiology, Environmental Sciences, or similar) and meet the English language requirements (IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category).

The position is fully funded for eligible UKRI candidates, covering tuition fees, a maintenance stipend (£20,780 p.a. for 2025/26), and a research training and support grant. International applicants may have the difference between 'home' and 'international' fees waived, but relocation, visa, and health surcharge costs are not covered. The start date is 1st October 2026.