Improved methodology for the detection and pathogenesis of acute oak decline

An opportunity to apply for a funded full-time PhD in microbiology and plant pathology in the College of Health, Science and Society, UWE Bristol.  The studentship will be funded by UWE Bristol.

Ref: 2425-April-CHSS02

The expected start date of this studentship is 1 April 2025.

The closing date for applications is 24 January 2025.

Acute Oak Decline (AOD) is a complex tree decline disease threatening the native oak species in the UK. Symptoms of AOD include stem bleeds and inner bark tissue necrosis, which can cause death of mature oaks within just three to five years of symptom onset. The cause of AOD is complex, caused by a combination of abiotic and biotic factors. These include local environmental changes such as drought and poor soil conditions alongside necrotic bacteria and a native bark-boring beetle which promotes the spread and virulence of these bacteria. Additionally, changes in the lesion microbiome are often observed. Researchers have recently made great strides in understanding this decline disease but many gaps in knowledge remain.

We are recruiting for a fully funded PhD student to join an expanding research group dedicated to tree health at UWE Bristol and a wider inter-disciplinary team working on oak tree health in the UK and Europe. The PhD research will focus on acute oak decline and improvements to methods for the detection of the bacteria associated with the disease, as well as pathogenicity determination.

Components of the project include 1) advancement in rapid and reliable identification techniques that can be applied during field sampling; 2) design and implementation of a standardised method for inoculation trials; 3) assessment of effects of environmental stress on inoculated oak and 4) metagenomic community profiling of inoculated oak.

The project presents a unique opportunity for the successful candidate to work closely with leading experts in acute oak decline research at both UWE Bristol and Forest Research, joining in on field trips to affected woodlands to gain field experience of acute oak decline first-hand. At UWE Bristol, the candidate will join a thriving postgraduate community and be based in the new Lab Zone where they will learn versatile microbial molecular and plant pathology techniques, as well as bioinformatics and statistics providing them with transferable skills.

 To apply for this position, you should have:

• A strong background in microbiology, molecular biology, microbial ecology or related discipline

• A high level of proficiency in English (both written and spoken) 

• Curiosity and motivation for scientific research

• Good communication skills and a positive team spirit.

For an informal discussion about the studentship, please email Dr Carrie Brady: carrie.brady@uwe.ac.uk.

The studentship is available from 1 April 2025 for a period of three years, subject to satisfactory progress and includes a tax exempt stipend, which is currently £19,237 (2024/25) per annum. 

In addition full-time tuition fees will be covered for up to three years (Home).

Applicants must have good honours BSc degree (2.1 or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline such as microbiology, molecular biology, microbial ecology or forestry.

Experience in forestry fieldwork, soil science, molecular techniques, plant-microbe interactions or bioinformatics are desirable.

The studentship is eligible for UK applicants only. 

Please submit your application online.

When prompted use the reference number 2425-April-CHSS02.

Supporting documentation

You will need to upload your research proposal, all your degree certificates and transcripts and your proof of English language proficiency as attachments to your application, so please have these available when you complete the application form.

References

You will need to provide details of two referees as part of your application. At least one referee must be an academic referee from the institution that conferred your highest degree. Your referee will be asked for a reference at the time you submit your application, so please ensure that your nominated referees are willing and able to provide references within 14 days of your application being submitted.

The closing date for applications is 24 January 2025.

It is expected that interviews will take place week commencing 10 February 2025.

If you have not heard from us by 3 February 2025, we thank you for your application but on this occasion you have not been successful.