Primary Supervisor – Dr. Marcela Hernandez Garcia

Scientific background

Global warming and the potential end of the antibiotic era are two critical societal challenges. These two threats overlap because contamination of the broader environment with antibiotics, combined with a warming climate, retreating glaciers, and thawing permafrost, could open new breeding grounds for antibiotic-resistant microbes. We found that microbial interactions shape the temporal dynamics of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the Arctic. Furthermore, there is emerging evidence from terrestrial ecosystems that antibiotics and global warming independently reduce microbial carbon use efficiency, which could translate into higher carbon flux and lower carbon sequestration potential. In other words, rising temperatures and antibiotic pollution may exacerbate climate change. We expect that increased AMR in the Arctic will reduce microbial carbon use efficiency (CUE) because competitive interactions between microbes will lead to the allocation of energy and nutrients toward AMR rather than biomass growth. This PhD project will uncover the mechanisms that drive antimicrobial resistance in pioneering and extreme soil environments in the Arctic, with a focus on Svalbard – the fastest warming place on the planet, offering natural gradients in soil development, pristine and anthropogenic environments.

methodology

The overarching goal is to understand whether climate warming and antimicrobial resistance affect microbial CUE. You will measure CUE with AMR bacteria in isolation and within Arctic soil. In addition, it will investigate the possibility of antimicrobial resistant bacteria in wastewater from Svalbard settlements to colonize Arctic soils and alter their CUE.

You will join sampling campaigns in Svalbard, followed by training in cutting-edge tools for microbial isolation and identification, including metagenomics and bioinformatics.

an exercise

Training will include soil bacteria cultivation, quantitative PCR, amplicon-based sequencing, whole genome sequencing, and metagenomic analysis. You will present results at national and international conferences, and collaborate internationally with project partners abroad (including collaborators in France and Italy).

Person specifications

We are looking for a proactive and highly motivated student. The successful candidate must have a strong background in microbial, soil, or environmental sciences (e.g., Bachelor’s/Master’s in Microbiology, Environmental Science, or similar). To participate in field work (not necessary), willing to join sampling campaigns in Svalbard.

Entry requirements

At least a UK BA (Hons) equivalency of 2:1. English language requirements (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category).

Acceptable first degree:

• Microbiology
• Environmental sciences
• Or something like that

Start date: 1^street October 2026

Finance

ARIES Scholarships are governed by UKRITerms and Conditions. Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a fully-funded scholarship, which covers fees, a maintenance stipend (£20,780 per annum for 2025/26) and a Research Training and Support Grant (RTSG). A limited number of scholarships are available to international applicants, with the difference between ‘national’ and ‘international’ fees waived by the registered university. However, please note that ARIES funding does not cover additional costs associated with moving to and living in the UK, such as visa costs or additional health fees.