Molecular structuring of foods to feed the gut microbiome (WARRENF_Q22CASE)

Job Description

Developing the latest generation of foods requires detailed structural and chemical insights into the molecular scale structuring within a food, as well as the application of novel processing methods. This will allow the creation of novel foods which can be targeted to deliver highly accessible fermentable substrates to the gut microbiota. Working with project partner PepsiCo, this studentship will apply advanced NMR spectroscopy approaches usually reserved for the analysis of pharmaceutical excipients to designing PepsiCo’ latest generation of snack foods. Innovative processing technologies developed in PepsiCo are allowing the production of food formulations with novel combinations of ingredients which result in unique structuring within the food. Using advanced NMR facilities available at UEA, this studentship will aim to investigate the formation of these structures within snack foods. This studentship will also explore the potential for these novel food materials to impact on the gut microbiome. These processing technologies will impact on the structuring and availability of carbohydrate substrates to the gut microbiota, and at Quadram the student will use advanced models of the human gut microbiota coupled with metagenomic and metabolomic approaches to probe the effects on the gut microbiota. This studentship will provide the unique opportunity to work across three different research environments. Based at Quadram, which is a brand new, state of the art, custom-built facility focussed on gut health and the microbiome, as a student you will also have the opportunity to work closely with the UEA School of Pharmacy, one of the UK’s leading Pharmacy Schools, as well as learning about the industrial application of research through placements at PepsiCo, one of the world’s largest companies. You will join the Norwich Research Park, one of the largest concentrations of biological researchers in the UK, offering exceptional graduate research and training opportunities.

Entry Requirements

• First or Upper Second-class UK Honours degree (or equivalent)
• Applicants with Lower Second-class degree considered if they also have a Master’s degree or significant research experience
• English Language: IELTS 6.5 overall (6 in each category)

Funding

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

How to Apply

Applications close 22 November 2021. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed on Tuesday 25th, Wednesday 26th, or Thursday 27th January 2022. Apply via the NRPDTP programme website: https://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk/. Visit our website for further information on eligibility and how to apply. Our partners value diverse and inclusive work environments. [Employer hidden] is an equal opportunities employer.