Project properties

Title Soil bacteriophages in carbon and nutrient cycles
Group Soil Biology
Project type thesis
Credits 24-39
Supervisor(s) Wim van der Putten / Kyle Mason-Jones , NIOO Terrestrial Ecology / WUR Nematology
Examiner(s) prof.dr. Rachel Creamer
Contact info kyle.masonjones@nioo.knaw.nl

Begin date 2022/08/01
End date
Description Nematodes and viruses (phages) are important predators of bacteria. Soil is a complex, spatially structured habitat that presents unique challenges for bacteria and their predators. Model experiments have shown that bacteria-feeding nematodes can move their prey to new resource patches, as well as transferring phages between patches of host bacteria. We don’t yet know if nematode-mediated dispersal is a common occurrence in soil, or what its ecological impacts might be.
This thesis project will address this knowledge gap experimentally, using model systems and real soil to test hypotheses such as:
- Nematodes provide phage dispersal through soil
- Nematodes enable bacterial “escape” from phage-infected colonies
- Nematode-mediated dispersal supports phage-host coexistence
The project offers opportunities for an MSc thesis, and will provide space to develop original hypotheses and experiments within the broader research question. Candidates will master skills in soil ecology, nematology and microbiology research.
Skills required
Candidates should have a background in biological sciences, ideally with laboratory experience in nematology, 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.
Used skills Literature review, writing proposal and thesis, experimental design, microbiology, lab skills, data analysis.
Requirements Required courses for MSc thesis Soil Biology