Are bacteria building toxic biofilms in your gut? (NARBAD_Q22DTP2)

🔒 Confidential Employer
Posted 3 May 2026
LOCATION
Norwich
TYPE
Full-time
LEVEL
Entry-level
SALARY
£15,609 / year
CATEGORY
Science & Research
This employer holds a UK Home Office sponsor license — sponsorship for this specific role is at the employer’s discretion

SKILLS

Microbiology Anaerobic microbiology Biofilm analysis Molecular microbiology Metagenomics Metatranscriptomics Bioinformatics Quorum sensing

FULL DESCRIPTION

Are bacteria building toxic biofilms in your gut? (NARBAD_Q22DTP2)

[Employer hidden — view at passion-project.co.uk] is offering a 4-year PhD studentship to investigate sulphate-reducing bacteria biofilms in the gut. The stipend is £15,609 per annum (2021/22 UKRI rate). Closing date: 22 November 2021.

Job Details

  • Company: [Employer hidden] (Quadram Institute)
  • Location: Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
  • Contract Length: 4 years
  • Salary/Stipend: £15,609pa
  • Start Date: October 2021 (expected)

Project Description

Sulphate reducing bacteria (SRB) are anaerobic bacteria common in the environment and the gastrointestinal tract. They produce corrosive hydrogen sulphide gas and may be involved in gut inflammation in diseases like ulcerative colitis and colorectal cancers. This project aims to investigate the nature of SRB biofilms and how the transition between planktonic and biofilm growth is controlled. Gene expression, metatranscriptomics and quorum sensing will be utilised together with advanced microscopy to understand the role of SRB biofilms in gastrointestinal tract colonisation and persistence and to identify targets to stop or disperse biofilm formation in the gut environment. The applicant will join the interdisciplinary teams of Narbad and Juge groups at [Employer hidden].

Requirements

  • First or Upper Second-class UK Honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field
  • English Language: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category (for non-native speakers)
  • Self-motivated with independent thinking and aptitude for laboratory work
  • Strong interest in microbiology and gut health

Funding

This project is awarded with a 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NRPDTP) PhD studentship. The studentship includes tuition fees, stipend (£15,609pa), and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000pa. More information on eligibility and funding can be found here.

How to Apply

Applications close 22 November 2021. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed on 25-27 January 2022. Apply via the Quadram Institute student opportunities page: https://quadram.ac.uk/about/student-opportunities/how-to-apply/

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