Ecology and infection in the respiratory tract

Project Details:

The lower respiratory tract has a microbiome. It is sparser than the gut microbiome and much less well characterised, but similarly varies in health and disease, has stable composition and has direct interactions with the immune system. In this project we aim to discover how this microbiome functions and particularly how it obtains nutrition focusing on respiratory mucin as carbon source and the nutritional links between different members in this ecosystem. The project aims are to:

• Characterise the mucin degrading and binding capabilities of the Respiratory Microbiome Group culture collection

• Build a model consortium that represents the healthy respiratory tract using high throughput screening of artificial communities

• Subject this model to challenges such as pathogen invasion, drug interactions and nutrient availability

This will allow us to build a picture of how the respiratory microbiome functions in health, identify how it responds to changes in its environment and how to predict these responses. It will also allow us to identify keystone species that are central to the function of this ecosystem and start to give us the tools to alter the respiratory microbiome to promote health and combat disease.

Techniques will include culture, growth and genome sequencing of novel respiratory tract isolates. Bioinformatic analysis of polysaccharide degradation and binding potential. High throughput community assembly using OnChip droplet flow cytometry and cell sorting.

The research project will be based in the Respiratory Microbiome Group, a diverse and supportive group of researchers. We aim to support both your development as a researcher and your personal development.

Person Specification

Applicants should have a strong background in biology or biomedical sciences, and ideally a background in microbiology. They should have a commitment to research in microbiome science and hold or realistically expect to obtain at least an Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a biology related discipline.

How to apply

Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Michael Cox m.j.cox@bham.ac.uk and we strongly recommend contacting him prior to application

To apply, please send:

• A detailed CV, including your nationality and country of birth;

• Names and addresses of two referees;

• A covering letter highlighting your research experience/capabilities;

• Copies of your degree certificates with transcripts;

• Evidence of your proficiency in the English language, if applicable.