NMR studies of transport-driven metabolic organization in microbial biofilms and microbiomes

About the Project

Biofilms are structured, surface-attached microbial communities that are relevant across natural, clinical, and industrial settings. They are ubiquitous in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, and can be problematic in healthcare (where they may harbour pathogens) and in technical systems (for example, through industrial biofouling). Equally, biofilms can be highly beneficial, underpinning processes such as wastewater treatment and biotechnological production.

A defining feature of biofilms is the extracellular matrix – a network of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) that shapes biofilm structure and function. Transport of nutrients, metabolites, signalling molecules, and antimicrobials within biofilms is often dominated by diffusion through this matrix. A quantitative understanding of mass transport is therefore central to both controlling problematic biofilms and optimising beneficial ones. Professor McBain (Department of Pharmacy) is an internationally recognised expert in biofilms and their applications.

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) offers a uniquely powerful, non-invasive approach to studying transport in complex, hydrated systems such as biofilms. NMR can provide direct, species-specific information on diffusion and flow without disrupting the sample. Professor Nilsson (Department of Chemistry) is an internationally recognised expert in NMR method development, with more than 25 years’ experience in diffusion NMR.

Project aim

This PhD will develop and apply NMR methodologies, alongside novel biofilm and microbiome model systems, to determine how the matrix influences nutrient transport, metabolite accumulation, and antimicrobial permeation, and how these processes contribute to key biofilm characteristics such as persistence and tolerance.

What you will do (examples)

• Develop and validate diffusion and flow NMR methods tailored to biofilms (including short-lengthscale diffusion measurements).
• Apply NMR and micro-imaging to quantify transport and heterogeneity in model biofilms/microbiomes.
• Link transport parameters to biological outcomes (growth, persistence, and antimicrobial tolerance), in collaboration with biofilm specialists.

Facilities

The Department of Chemistry houses a wide range of liquid- and solid-state NMR spectrometers (300–800 MHz 1H), including specialist instrumentation ideally suited to this project: (i) a bespoke diffusion probe capable of very strong pulsed-field gradients for probing short diffusion distances; and (ii) micro-imaging systems for measuring diffusion and flow tensor data in biofilms.

Candidate profile

The project can be shaped around the interests of the appointed student. It will suit a self-motivated candidate with interests spanning microbiology and quantitative physical/analytical methods, and a background in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Natural Sciences.

Information on the supervisory team can be found here:

Prof. Mathias Nilsson:

https://www.nmr.chemistry.manchester.ac.uk/

https://research.manchester.ac.uk/en/persons/mathias.nilsson

Prof. Andrew McBain: https://research.manchester.ac.uk/en/persons/andrew.mcbain

Informal enquiries should be addressed to mathias.nilsson@manchester.ac.uk.

Eligibility

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s in a relevant science or engineering related discipline. Highly motivated applicants who hold a first-class degree in a relevant discipline are encouraged to apply

Funding

This 4 year PhD project is for self funded students.

At Manchester we offer a range of scholarships, studentships and awards at university, faculty and department level, to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers applying for competition and self-funded projects.

For more information, visit our funding page or search our funding database for specific scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

We recommend that you apply early as the advert may be removed before the deadline.

Before you apply

Please contact mathias.nilsson@manchester.ac.uk for informal discussions before you apply with a curriculum vitae.

How to apply

Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:

• Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
• Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
• CV
• Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it).
• Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
• English Language certificate (if applicable)

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.