PhD studentships in Marine Science
The School of Marine Science and Technology offers the following three-year PhD
studentships, subject to NERC funding, commencing in October 2004:

The role of chemoautotrophy in marine benthic food webs.
The existence of autotrophic bacteria at the RDL has been recognised for more than
30 years. While the role of chemoautrophy at deep-sea vents is well established, the
role of autotrophs in seafloor sediments remains unresolved. The successful applicant
will use field studies, mesocosm experiments, isotope analysis and modelling to
elucidate the ecological significance of autotrophy in inshore sediment communities.
Contact Professor Chris Frid; c.l.j.frid@ncl.ac.uk

The coastal marine source of carbon disulphide.
Carbon disulphide (CS2) is an important marine biogas whose oxidation to carbonyl
sulphide (COS) in the troposphere has implications for Earth’s radiation balance and
surface temperature, and stratospheric ozone depletion. The successful applicant will
evaluate important coastal marine sources and atmospheric fluxes of CS2, and will
investigate photochemical and sedimentary production and the role of microbial
removal pathways in CS2 cycling.
Contact Dr G. Uher or Dr RC Upstill-Goddard: guenther.uher@ncl.ac.uk or
rob.goddard@ ncl.ac.uk

Ammonium photoproduction and nutrient limitation in the ocean
The photochemical release of dissolved ammonium from dissolved organic matter is a
significant source of bio-available nitrogen to coastal waters and is likely to be most
relevant during periods of nutrient-depletion during summer-stratification. The
successful applicant will examine the role of photochemical ammonium supply in
stratified coastal waters and its implications for marine primary production. The work
will involve some seagoing research and study visits to the Plymouth Marine
Laboratory.
Contact Dr G. Uher or Dr RC Upstill-Goddard: guenther.uher@ncl.ac.uk or
rob.goddard@ ncl.ac.uk

The role and identity of marine streptomycetes in symbioses with the polychaete
Arenicola marina leading to light independent accumulation of PUFA in
bioturbated marine sediments.
The aquaculture industry is heavily reliant on essential polyunsaturated fatty acids
(PUFA) derived from capture fisheries in feed formulations. Polychaete driven
bioturbation reactors developed by Seabait Ltd (patent pending) have achieved net
biosynthesis of PUFA, and the development of efficient such bioreactors for PUFA
production is within reach. The marine supply of PUFA has long been ascribed to
phototrophic, eukaryotic algae, but members of prokaryotic taxa also have a PUFA
synthetis capability. The successful applicant will use experimental production
systems to examine the taxonomy of the microflora that develops through symbiosis
with the lugworms Arenicola marina and Arenicola defodiens. Taxonomic diversity
will be determined by culturing and compared with molecular diversity determined by
cloning and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) of 16S rDNA using
eubacterial and taxon specific PCR primers. MS and GCMS will quantify PUFA
biosynthesis. The potential for Stable istotope quantification of biosynthetic
pathways will also be explored.
Contact Professor Peter Olive: p.j.w.olive@ncl.ac.uk
MPhil in Marine Science (fully funded)
The School of Marine Science and Technology offers the following MPhil, which is
fully funded for a period of eighteen months:

Long term changes in North Sea plankton communities.
The Dove Marine Laboratory time series is one of the longest marine biological time
series in the world. This study will provide continuity to this effort through the
analysis of zooplankton samples, and will examine the roles of physical and
biological factors in controlling the long-term dynamics.
Contact Professor Chris Frid; c.l.j.frid@ncl.ac.uk
For all of the positions above, candidates should have or expect to obtain a minimum
upper second class degree in biological, environmental, physical or geo-sciences,
oceanography, microbiology or a related discipline. Previous experience with marine
field work, chemical or microbial analyses may be an advantage. Please note that in
the case of the NERC-funded studentships, only permanent UK residents are eligible
for full funding. Non-UK residents may be eligible for fee-only awards. For full
details of PhD studentship maintenance grants, please refer to the appropriate details
at http://www.nerc.ac.uk/