Details

Category: 
Student subject
Function: 
Student (University)
Department: 
Terrestrial Ecology
Contact: 
Kyle Mason-Jones
Closing date: 
Saturday 31 July 2021

Soil microorganisms play key roles in carbon cycling, plant nutrition, and greenhouse gas production (N2O and CH4). Viruses, by increasing microbial death rates, could strongly affect these processes.

Viruses that infect bacteria (phages) are abundant in soil (up to 1010 per gram), yet their influence on soil functions has so far been largely neglected. In this project, we will use laboratory manipulations to assess how phages affect soil carbon and nitrogen cycling.

Techniques will include phage extraction, soil microcosm incubations, bacterial culturing, gas sampling and soil chemical analysis, to test such hypotheses as:

  • Phages reduce greenhouse gas emissions from soil
  • Phages increase dissolved organic carbon and nitrogen
  • Phages enhance plant nutrient availability

The project is suitable for an MSc thesis or internship, and will provide space to develop original hypotheses and experiments within the scope of the broader research question.

The candidate will master skills in soil microbiology and chemical analysis, at the cutting edge of soil ecology research.

Skills required

The candidate should have a strong background in biological sciences, with laboratory experience in soil science or microbiology. Self-motivation and the ability to work independently is needed. The working language will be English, so knowledge of Dutch will not be necessary.

This student project will be hosted at the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO) from May 2021 for a period of 6 months (specific dates are negotiable). For enquiries, please contact Dr Kyle Mason-Jones at k.masonjones@nioo.knaw.nl.