PhD Studentship: Dietary Adaptation of Bifidobacterium in the Weaning Infant Gut (WARRENF_Q24DTP)

Primary supervisor - Dr Fred Warren 

The infant gut is a complex, constantly adapting ecosystem which shows distinct shifts as a consequence of introducing solid foods, which can have lifelong health impacts. An important nutrient in weaning foods is starch, a key dietary component in the adult diet. The genus Bifidobacterium has several adaptations making it a key starch degrader during the dietary transition of weaning, but the molecular mechanisms are not well understood. This project, using data and microbial isolates from a large cohort study of infants, will aim to unravel the mechanisms used by Bifidobacterium to utilise starch as a substrate and establish itself within the ecosystem of the human gut.  

The studentship will provide excellent training in a range of techniques including cutting edge metagenomics, microbiology, protein biochemistry and biophysical techniques. Norwich is a leading microbiology and microbiota research centre and represents an excellent platform for a starting scientific career.  

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP. Shortlisted applicants will potentially be interviewed on 4, 5, and 6 June 2024.

For further information on eligibility and how to apply please visit here.

Our partners value diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background. 

Entry requirements

At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1 or UK equivalence Master's degree. English Language requirement (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category). 

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 (directly to the University), a stipend to cover living expenses (2023/4 stipend rate: £18,622), and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000pa for each year of the studentship. 

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