PhD Studentship - Understanding Biomolecule Controls on Mineral Transformations and Biogeochemical Cycles

Application deadline: All year round

This is a fully funded PhD project for which, if you are successful in your application, you would receive a monthly stipend, have the university fees paid for, and be awarded some money to support lab costs and travel. The tax free stipend is set at the UKRI rate (£19,237 for 2024/25). Tuition fees will also be paid. The position is open until filled. The preferred start date is ^1st October 2024.

Minerals play a pivotal role in shaping Earth's biogeochemical cycles, exerting control over the mobility, speciation and (bio)availability of key nutrients, pollutants and technology-critical elements. As such, biogeochemical cycles are strongly influenced by mineral transformation processes, including dissolution, precipitation, and recrystallization, resulting from a range of biotic and abiotic processes in the environment. The complex nature of environmental systems presents significant challenges to unravelling the impact mineral transformation pathways have on biogeochemical cycles. This project aims to investigate the role of biomolecules, which are ubiquitous in soils and contain a significant fraction of key soil nutrients, in controlling mineral transformations and associated biogeochemical cycling.

Project objectives

• Develop model systems to investigate interactions of biomolecules, such as nucleic acids and proteins, at mineral surfaces utilizing a range of geochemical and spectroscopic analytical techniques.
• Identify how biomolecule-mineral interactions impact mineral transformation via a range of biotic (microbiological) and abiotic (chemical) pathways.
• Understand the impact of biomolecule-mineral interactions on the fate of key nutrients and pollutants in soils.

Training provided

The successful applicant will join a welcoming, vibrant group of researchers working across themes in environmental chemistry, microbiology and environmental radioactivity research. We will deliver extensive training in mineral synthesis, quantitative laboratory measurements/characterization techniques and state-of-the-art fundamental analysis (e.g. X-ray absorption spectroscopy, electron microscopy, nucleic acid analysis). More widely, the researcher will gain extensive training in project planning, communication, networking and outreach which will be augmented by their interaction with the Manchester Doctoral College.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold, or about to obtain, a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geosciences, Biochemistry or a related discipline. A Master’s degree in a relevant subject is desirable but not necessary. Some direct experience of one of the following would be advantageous: mineralogy, geochemistry, or nucleic acid synthesis/analysis.

To begin an application, please email your CV to Richard.kimber@manchester.ac.uk and vicky.coker@manchester.ac.uk.

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