Unveiling a key enzyme in global sulfur cycling (TODD_U25DTP)

Primary Supervisor – jonathan.todd@uea.ac.uk

Background: Billions of tonnes of the osmolyte dimethysulfonioproprionate (DMSP) are produced annually in Earth’s oceans by many algae and bacteria. These organisms produce DMSP at mM intracellular concentrations for protection against varied stresses. When released into the environment, microorganisms import and catabolise DMSP, generating the climate-cooling gas and signalling molecule dimethylsulfide (DMS) via DMSP lyase enzymes. However, marine microbes can also oxidise DMSP to form dimethylsulfoxoniumpropionate (DMSOP) via unidentified enzymes. Importantly, this novel step in the global sulfur cycle potentially limits the release of climate-active gases. Abundant bloom-forming algae and bacteria produce DMSOP at high intracellular levels, but it is unknown how or why these processes occur at the molecular, physiological and environmental levels. This PhD will conduct interdisciplinary research to identify and characterise the enzymes involved in DMSOP synthesis and their regulation in model and abundant marine bacteria that make DMSOP. The importance of DMSOP synthesis will be further investigated through analysis of the biodiversity, prominence, expression and biogeography of identified genes in diverse environments.  

Research methodology and training: You will join well-resourced and vibrant labs that provided step changes to the understanding of DMSP/DMSOP biology and marine sulfur cycling. Expert multidisciplinary training will be provided in analytical chemistry techniques to monitor DMSOP synthesis; molecular microbiology technologies, e.g., generation of knockout mutations; enzymology and bioinformatics to assess the biogeography, magnitude and environmental significance of DMSOP production. 

Supervision: You will discuss your findings at weekly team and supervisory meetings, where your progress will be monitored and training needs assessed. You will attend and present work at high-profile national and international scientific conferences, which will aid your writing of peer-reviewed scientific publications and your PhD thesis. 

Person specification: We are looking for a highly motivated applicant with strong interests in molecular microbiology and who can thrive in a multidisciplinary research laboratory. 

The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP) is offering fully funded studentships for October 2025 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 CASE students undertake a three to 18-month placement with the non-academic partner during their study. The placement offers experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team. Students with, or expecting to attain, at least an upper second-class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply. 

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 28, 29 or 30 January 2025. 

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.