Exploiting human gut microbiome in mucus to combat pathogens (JUGE_Q22MMB)

🔒 Confidential Employer
Posted 3 May 2026
LOCATION
Norwich
TYPE
Contract
LEVEL
Entry-level
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 Glycobiology Metagenomics Bioinformatics Computational analysis In vivo models Mucin glycan metabolism Microbiome research

FULL DESCRIPTION

Exploiting human gut microbiome in mucus to combat pathogens (JUGE_Q22MMB)

[Employer hidden — view at passion-project.co.uk] offers a 4-year PhD studentship investigating gut symbiont-pathogen interactions at the mucosal surface. The student will harness mechanisms of adaptation of key human gut symbionts to the gut intestinal wall, focusing on bacterial mucin glycan metabolism as novel strategies to limit pathogen infection.

  • Salary: MRC stipend
  • Contract Length: 4 years
  • Location: Norwich Research Park, Norwich
  • Applications Close: 17 January 2022

Project Description

The human body harbours a diverse and dense population of commensal bacteria which exert key functions in terms of human health. However, the development of microbiome-targeted therapies to restore human health is currently hampered by a lack of mechanistic understanding of bacterial metabolism at the strain and niche level. This work will harness mechanisms of adaptation of key human gut symbionts to the gut intestinal wall, focusing on bacterial mucin glycan metabolism as novel strategies to limit pathogen infection.

The PhD student will join a dynamic multidisciplinary team at the [Employer hidden] and receive mentoring and training in advanced experimental models and bioinformatics tools. Through this PhD studentship, the student will acquire expertise in microbiology, glycobiology and metagenomics, as well as general computational and in vivo skills.

Training and Benefits

The student will benefit from the established network of international collaborations of the supervisory team. Training will embrace research practice and theory, management, communication, intellectual property, teamwork and technical writing. The student will present their work to internal seminars and to relevant international meetings on the Microbiome. The student will be encouraged to participate in outreach activities and innovative competitions.

Entry Requirements

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

Funding

This project is awarded with a 4-year Microbes, Microbiomes and Bioinformatics (MMB) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) PhD studentship. Studentships include support for: a maintenance stipend provided over four years (MRC stipend scale), full tuition fees, and research and training costs. Studentship funding will not normally cover costs associated with visa or health surcharges.

Supervisory Team

Primary Supervisor: Prof Nathalie Juge – [contact hidden]
Secondary Supervisor: Dr Falk Hildebrand

How to Apply

More information on eligibility and how to apply can be found on the Partnerships in doctoral training page. Apply directly via the course link: .

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