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.

We are recruiting a student on an MRC-funded project at the Quadram Institute Bioscience. The student will join the group of Dr Evelien Adriaenssens, expert in bacteriophages and viromics, in collaboration with Professor Simon Carding (gut microbiome interactions in health and disease) and Dr Falk Hildebrand (bioinformatics approaches to personalised microbiota care).

The ideal candidate has at a minimum an Upper Second-Class Honours degree in Microbiology, Biotechnology or Bioinformatics (or equivalent) and a passion for research. Since this project combines both microbiology and bioinformatics approaches, we will consider appropriate expertise in either microbiology or bioinformatics with the desire to learn about the other aspects. The willingness to learn advanced skills in bioinformatics including the use of the command line is essential.

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, preparing the student for any career of their choice.

The Microbes, Microbiomes and Bioinformatics (MMB) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) is open to UK and international candidates with relevant undergraduate degrees for entry in October 2023 and offers the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project funded by the UKRI Medical Research Council in microbiology and microbial bioinformatics.

Our unique and comprehensive training programme empowers students to feel comfortable running sophisticated computer analyses alongside laboratory work and emphasises problem-based learning in microbial bioinformatics, professional development and research skills. All students will undertake a Professional Placement.

Interviews for shortlisted candidates will take place on Wednesday 15 February or Tuesday 16 February 2023.

The MRC DTP is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. Students are selected without regard to age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, ethnicity, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation or social background. We value curiosity, independence of thought, plus an aptitude for research that combines laboratory work and bioinformatics.

For information on eligibility and how to apply: www.uea.ac.uk/phd/mmbdtp

This project is awarded with a 4-year studentship including:

• Maintenance stipend according to the MRC stipend scale
• University tuition fee payment
• Research and training costs

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