PhD Studentship: Megakaryocyte mysteries: How high fat diets reshape blood and immunity

Primary supervisor - Dr Edyta Wojtowicz

Platelets are increasingly recognised as key regulators of immune responses, extending their function far beyond their traditional role in blood clotting. This project will investigate how a high-fat diet and obesity impact megakaryocyte function and platelet production, and how these changes impair the immune response to infection. Platelets are produced by megakaryocytes, and their quantity and function can be influenced by metabolic status. Our focus is on understanding how obesity, through altered megakaryocyte and platelet production and function, may impair the immune response. Our preliminary data suggest that obesity induces distinct gene expression in some but not all megakaryocytes and that not all megakaryocytes contribute to platelet production. This potentially suggests the number and immune function of platelets will be altered. As part of this research, you will use advanced technologies including imaging flow cytometry, lineage tracing and single-cell platforms available in the Earlham Institute laboratories, to dissect the pathways by which high-fat diet and obesity reshape megakaryocyte and platelet-mediated immune functions, which could serve as potential targets for pharmacological interventions in the obese and elderly. You will also benefit from collaborations with pharmaceutical companies, offering opportunities to translate your findings into meaningful applications. You will be part of a highly collaborative and supportive research environment, with inter-disciplinary expertise in molecular biology, cellular genomics, single-cell analysis, and computational biology. This PhD program offers a unique opportunity to contribute to our understanding of immunology and megakaryocyte biology and its implications for health and disease. If you are passionate about making a difference in human health studies, we invite you to apply and be part of this exciting research.

The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP) is offering fully funded studentships for October 2026 entry. The programme offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP students undertake a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS) during their study. The placement offers exciting and invaluable work experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team.

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 3,4 or 5 February 2026.

Visit our website for further information on eligibility and how to apply: https://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk/.

Mode of study

Full time

Start date

1 October 2026

Additional Funding Information

This project is awarded with a 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD CASE studentship with Inspiralis Limited. The studentship includes payment of tuition fees (directly to the University), a stipend to cover living expenses (2025/6 stipend rate: £20,780), and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000pa for each year of the studentship.

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