Project description

Primary supervisor - Dr Gary Rowley

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a major greenhouse gas, with 300-fold greater warming potential than carbon dioxide. A major source of N2O comes from soil microbes utilising nitrogen-based fertilisers rather than oxygen to breathe in a process called denitrification. The final step in denitrification, the reduction of N2O to N2, is carried out by the enzyme nitrous oxide reductase, NosZ. However, NosZ does not always work in natural environments, and we know that denitrifying organisms make a substantial contribution to N2O emissions. An expanding global population means fertiliser use will increase to meet food demands. Without intervention this will lead to increased N2O emissions.

Our understanding of the “how” and “when” denitrification is switched on and off in bacteria is relatively poor. Our team have made significant contributions to the understanding of regulation of bacterial denitrification including the role of small, non-coding, RNAs (sRNAs). sRNAs have critical roles in regulation of a multitude of physiological processes in bacteria. We published the first evidence that manipulation of sRNAs impacts N2O emissions.

We seek an enthusiastic individual with a background in microbiology to join the team. We will combine a range of microbial physiology, molecular and functional genomics approaches to understand the contribution of the RNA chaperone Hfq, and associated sRNAs, to regulation of denitrification in the model bacteria Paracoccus denitrificans.

Comprehensive training will be provided in all areas. The successful individual will have the opportunity to visit the lab our of collaborators in Oslo. Professional and personal development of all members of the Rowley laboratory is a major priority, and the team are supported to attend a diverse range of internal and external courses. Presentation of results at international conferences will be an important aspect of the training provided.

The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP) is offering fully funded studentships for October 2026 entry. The programme offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP students undertake a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS) during their study. The placement offers exciting and invaluable work experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team.

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 3,4 or 5 February 2026.

Visit our website for further information on eligibility and how to apply: https://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk/.

Our partners value diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background.

To maximise accessibility and attract students from underrepresented groups to our programme we have introduced bespoke templates for applicant Personal and Research statements which will enable every applicant to fully represent themselves through providing suitable examples and evidence. These forms are on the NRPDTP website and must be used for these sections of the application form.

Entry requirements

At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1. English Language requirement (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category).

Funding

This project is awarded with a 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD DTP studentship. The studentship includes payment of tuition fees (directly to the University), a stipend to cover living expenses (2025/6 stipend rate: £20,780), and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000pa for each year of the studentship.

References

Moeller, S., G. Payá, M.-J. Bonete, A. J. Gates, D. J. Richardson, J. Esclapez and G. Rowley (2021). "Microbial small RNAs–The missing link in the nitrogen cycle?" Frontiers in Environmental Science 9: 660055.

Gaimster, H., C. L. Hews, R. Griffiths, M. J. Soriano-Laguna, M. Alston, D. J. Richardson, A. J. Gates and G. Rowley (2019). "A central small RNA regulatory circuit controlling bacterial denitrification and N2O emissions." MBio 10(4): 10.1128/mbio. 01165-01119

Sullivan, M. J., A. J. Gates, C. Appia-Ayme, G. Rowley and D. J. Richardson (2013). "Copper control of bacterial nitrous oxide emission and its impact on vitamin B12-dependent metabolism." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 110(49): 19926-19931.

Xue, C.-X., H. Lin, X.-Y. Zhu, J. Liu, Y. Zhang, G. Rowley, J. D. Todd, M. Li and X.-H. Zhang (2021). "DiTing: a pipeline to infer and compare biogeochemical pathways from metagenomic and metatranscriptomic data." Frontiers in microbiology 12: 698286

Gaimster, H., L. Chalklen, M. Alston, J. T. Munnoch, D. J. Richardson, A. J. Gates and G. Rowley (2016). "Genome-wide discovery of putative sRNAs in Paracoccus denitrificans expressed under nitrous oxide emitting conditions." Frontiers in Microbiology 7: 1806.

The Mechanistic and Physiological significance of Hfq in sRNA regulation of bacterial denitrification (ROWLEY_U26DTP)

Project description

Entry requirements

Funding

References