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Combining genome-scale metabolic models and multi-omics data for a system level understanding of bacteria

Funding
Self-funded
Study mode
Full-time
Apply by
Year round
Start date
Year round
Subject area
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
How to apply
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We’re currently showing entry requirements and other information for applicants with qualifications from United Kingdom.

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If your country or region isn’t listed here, please contact us with any questions about studying with us.

Overview

Understanding microbial metabolism is essential for the exploitation of bacteria in a number of different biotechnological applications, the members of the Streptomyces genus being a particularly biotechnologically interesting example (Del Carratore et al., 2022).

About this opportunity

Genome-scale metabolic models (GSMMs) are mathematical models designed to represent the whole metabolic network of a given organism. They are used to predict growth rates and metabolic fluxes under different conditions, and they can be exploited to identify genetic engineering strategies (Gu et al., 2019).

Multi-omics data refers to the data generated by different omics such as genomics, transcriptomics and metabolomics. The data obtained through these molecular profiling experiments provide extremely useful information on dynamic cellular processes governing an organism and can be used to validate and refine GSMMs. At the same time, well-curated GSMMs provide the perfect framework for the integration and interpretation of multi-omics datasets (Del Carratore et al., 2021).

This project aims to develop the computational methods needed to gain a system-level understanding of the metabolism of specific bacterial strains, by combining GSMMs with multi-omics data.

You will be based in Liverpool in the Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, host of some of the world’s best facilities for metabolomics, genomics, proteomics and computational biology (https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/health-and-life-sciences/research/liverpool-shared-research-facilities/multi-omics/).

This research project comes with a multi-disciplinary training revolving around computational biology and data analysis of big biological data. This will provide you highly transferrable skills and a wide choice of career options.

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Who is this for?

You will have at least a good B.Sc. 2:1 in Biological or Life Sciences, Computer Science or Engineering. Previous experience in programming is an advantage.

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How to apply

  1. 1. Contact supervisors

    Informal enquiries to  are welcome.

    Supervisors:

    Dr Francesco Del Carratore

    Prof Roy Goodacre

    Prof Steve Paterson

  2. 2. Prepare your application documents

    You may need the following documents to complete your online application:

    • A research proposal (this should cover the research you’d like to undertake)
    • University transcripts and degree certificates to date
    • Passport details (international applicants only)
    • English language certificates (international applicants only)
    • A personal statement
    • A curriculum vitae (CV)
    • Contact details for two proposed supervisors
    • Names and contact details of two referees.

  3. 3. Apply

    Finally, register and apply online. You'll receive an email acknowledgment once you've submitted your application. We'll be in touch with further details about what happens next.

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Funding your PhD

The project is open to both European/UK and International students. It is UNFUNDED and applicants are encouraged to contact the Principal Supervisor directly to discuss their application and the project.

If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan worth up to £30,301 to help with course fees and living costs.

There’s also a variety of alternative sources of funding. These include funded research opportunities and financial support from UK research councils, charities and trusts. Your supervisor may be able to help you secure funding.

We've set the country or region your qualifications are from as United Kingdom.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition fees and living expenses.

Duncan Norman Research Scholarship

If you’re awarded this prestigious scholarship, you’ll receive significant funding to support your postgraduate research. This includes full payment of your PhD fees and a cash bursary of £17,000 per year while you study. One award is available in each academic year.

John Lennon Memorial Scholarship

If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for financial support worth up to £12,000 per year for up to three years of full-time postgraduate research (or up to five years part-time pro-rata).

Sport Liverpool Performance Programme

Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.

Discover our full range of scholarships and bursaries.
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Contact us

Have a question about this research opportunity or studying a PhD with us? Please get in touch with us, using the contact details below, and we’ll be happy to assist you.

Dr Francesco Del-Carratore
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