PhD Studentship: Sharing via secretion: Exploring the role of secretion systems in the early life microbiota member Bifidobacterium

Project Overview

We are looking for a creative and enthusiastic PhD candidate to join a dynamic, multi-disciplinary research team investigating the interactions of the host with the intestinal microbiota during the early life developmental window. The Hall lab has 3 main research themes including, microbe-diet interactions, microbe-host cross-talk, and colonisation resistance. For more details visit halllab.co.uk.

The Hall lab is based within the [Employer hidden], a new interdisciplinary microbiome and food research Institute, thus providing an excellent platform for a starting scientific career.

Background and Goals

Early establishment of beneficial microbiota members, including Bifidobacterium species, positively influences microbial community composition and host immune development. Thus, understanding the factors that modulate these dynamics is pivotal for promoting health. Microbial-derived secreted compounds and metabolites play a critical role in influencing community development, and modulation of immune responses. Recently, a newly defined secretion system; Type 7 secretion system (T7SS), has been described in pathogenic microbes, however there are currently no studies characterising the role of this system and the secreted compounds in beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium.

The goal of this PhD studentship is to develop new molecular tools for Bifidobacterium, i.e. innovative CRISPR-Cas9 systems, and use molecular microbiology techniques, model colon systems, next generation sequencing, bioinformatics, and cell culture models to probe the role of the T7SS in microbial community development and immune modulation. This project also involves close collaboration with Prof Hutchings (University of East Anglia) and Prof Palmer (Newcastle University).

Funding and Eligibility

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the Norwich Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NRPDTP). Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed as part of the studentship competition. Candidates will be interviewed on either the 8th, 9th or 10th January 2019.

The NRP DTP offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year 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 students undertake a three-month professional internship (PIPS) during their study. The internship offers exciting and invaluable work 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.

Funding Notes

For funding eligibility guidance, please visit the NRPDTP funding page. Full Studentships cover a stipend (UKRI rate: £14,777pa – 2018/9), research costs and tuition fees at UK/EU rate and are available to UK and EU students who meet the UK residency requirements. Students from EU countries who do not meet the UK residency requirements may be eligible for a fees-only award. Students in receipt of a fees-only award will be eligible for a maintenance stipend awarded by the NRPDTP Bioscience Doctoral Scholarships. To be eligible students must meet the EU residency requirements.

How to Apply

For further information and to apply, please visit the NRPDTP website or contact Dr Lindsay Hall. Ref: (HALLQ19DTP1). Applications close 26 November 2018.