Marcela Hernandez-Garcia

[4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD CASE studentship with Inspiralis Limited. Includes payment of tuition fees, £20,780 stipend per year, and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000 per year.] This fully funded PhD studentship at the University of East Anglia focuses on investigating the genetic markers and mechanisms regulating CO dehydrogenase in response to atmospheric mercury, with a particular emphasis on volcanic environments such as Mt. Etna. Volcanic emissions are a significant natural source of mercury, and Mt. Etna is a major contributor to the Mediterranean region. Previous studies have shown that mercury deposited on the acidic, organic-poor soils of Etna may not be retained, leading to environmental impacts through groundwater contamination or atmospheric re-emission. The project aims to understand how mercury affects microbial communities, especially their ability to oxidise trace gases like carbon monoxide, which is also abundant at Etna. Key research questions include: how bacterial communities in newly formed volcanic soils utilise CO and the metabolic pathways involved, and whether mercury exposure influences the expression and activity of the CO-dehydrogenase enzyme in bacteria from these soils. The successful candidate will participate in field sampling campaigns at Mt. Etna, conduct soil incubations, and perform trace-gas measurements. Training will be provided in advanced microbial isolation techniques, whole genome sequencing, proteomics, metagenomics, cultivation of soil bacteria, quantitative PCR, and high-throughput sequencing. The student will present findings at lab meetings, seminars, and conferences. The position is part of the Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP), offering a vibrant research community and a comprehensive professional development programme, including a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS). The studentship covers tuition fees, a generous stipend, and a research training support grant. Applicants should have a strong background in microbiology, biochemistry, or environmental sciences, and meet the English language requirements. The application deadline is 2 December 2026, with interviews scheduled for early February 2026. For more information and to apply, visit the UEA postgraduate research portal and the NRPDTP website.