Bacteriophages as precision medicine in the ageing gut (ADRIAENSSENS_Q22MMB)

Job Description

Bacteriophages are the most abundant biological entity on the planet, but their role in the human microbiome is poorly understood. In this project, the student will use a combination of viromics and culturing to investigate the bacteriophages in the gut of an elderly patient cohort. The student will use our state-of-the-art model systems mimicking the human gut to develop interventional strategies to treat dysbiosis.

Supervision and Collaboration

We are recruiting a student on an MRC-funded project at the [Employer hidden] in the area of Gut Microbes & Health. The student will join the group of Dr Evelien Adriaenssens, an expert in bacteriophages and viromics, in collaboration with Prof Simon Carding (gut microbiome interactions in health and disease) and Dr Falk Hildebrand (bioinformatics approaches to personalised microbiota care).

Candidate Requirements

• At least an Upper Second Class Honours degree in Microbiology, Biotechnology or Bioinformatics (or equivalent)
• Passion for research
• Expertise in either microbiology or bioinformatics with willingness to learn the other
• Willingness to learn advanced bioinformatics including command-line use
• English language requirement: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category (if applicable)

Training and Environment

The PhD student will be based in the new purpose-built Quadram Institute building located on the Norwich Research Park, where they will join a vibrant research community at the interface between fundamental and translational research into gut microbiology. The QIB offers a wide range of training opportunities, laboratory and computational scientific support and funding to attend conferences.

The Microbes, Microbiomes and Bioinformatics (MMB) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) is open to the UK and international candidates for entry in October 2022 and offers a 4-year PhD research project funded by the UKRI Medical Research Council.

Funding and Benefits

This project is awarded with a 4-year MMB DTP PhD studentship. Studentships include support for:

• A maintenance stipend, provided over four years, and funded according to the MRC stipend scale
• Full tuition fees paid directly to the University
• Research and training costs

Note: Studentship funding will not normally cover visa or health surcharges, or additional costs associated with entry to, and living in the UK.

How to Apply

Applications close 17 January 2022. Apply via the UEA course page. Interviews for shortlisted candidates will take place on 15 or 16 February 2022.

Primary Supervisor: Dr Evelien Adriaenssens (QIB) – [contact hidden]

Secondary Supervisor: Simon Carding (QIB)

Entry Requirements

• At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1 or UK equivalence Master’s degree
• English Language requirement (Faculty of Medicine and Health equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category)