Objective CRISPR-Cas is one of several distinct bacterial defence mechanisms that provide immunity against viruses (phages) and other mobile genetic elements (MGEs; e.g. plasmids). My research aims at understanding how CRISPR-Cas-mediated immunity is affected by the complexity of MGE communities. Using evolution assays and deep sequencing techniques I aim to study (i) the evolution of CRISPR-Cas-mediated immunity in a complex MGE community (i.e. multiple phages and plasmids), and (ii) determine the associated co-evolutionary dynamics. The proposed research is highly multidisciplinary and will perfectly complement my background in biochemistry and molecular biology. It also allows me to establish collaborations with academic and industrial partners to realize applications in dairy industry and phage therapy. The project will be pivotal for my personal development to become an independent researcher and offers me the unique opportunity to work in one of the most prominent microbial ecology and evolution laboratories worldwide, based at the Biosciences Department at the University of Exeter. Biosciences is a leading institute in evolutionary biology, microbiology and ecology that provides excellent opportunities for academic training and personal career development. I will be exposed to novel ideas and input from renowned researchers belonging to scientific disciplines unrelated to my own background, offering exciting opportunities for knowledge exchange and will have a strong impact on my personal and scientific development. Furthermore, I aim to establish a series of lectures for the general public throughout 2015 (the Year of the Phage) to emphasize the importance of phage research for many aspects of our society, including industry and medicine. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesmicrobiologybacteriologynatural sciencesbiological sciencesmicrobiologyvirologynatural sciencesbiological sciencesevolutionary biologynatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsgenomesnatural sciencesbiological sciencesmolecular biologymolecular evolution Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility Topic(s) MSCA-IF-2014-EF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF-EF) Call for proposal H2020-MSCA-IF-2014 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF Coordinator THE UNIVERSITY OF EXETER Net EU contribution € 183 454,80 Address THE QUEEN'S DRIVE NORTHCOTE HOUSE EX4 4QJ Exeter United Kingdom See on map Region South West (England) Devon Devon CC Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 183 454,80
