PhD Studentship - Running on Empty: Metabolic Ageing in Blood Stem Cells

Primary supervisor - Prof Stuart Rushworth

As the global population ages, it is increasingly important to understand the biological changes that drive physiological ageing. Ageing is associated with intrinsic metabolic alterations that disrupt tissue function and contribute to a wide range of age-related diseases. This PhD project will explore how metabolic ageing impacts blood stem cells, with a particular focus on glutamine metabolism and its role in sustaining blood production.

While our previous work has shown that the bone marrow environment contributes to the impaired immune response seen in aged individuals, emerging data indicate that blood stem cells themselves also acquire intrinsic metabolic defects. This project will investigate these cell-intrinsic metabolic changes and determine how they affect stem-cell function and metabolic output.

The successful candidate will receive comprehensive training in state-of-the-art technologies, including primary cell isolation, metabolomics, bioinformatics, and functional metabolic assays. Core techniques will include flow cytometry (FACS), LC–MS-based metabolite tracing, qPCR, western blotting, ELISA, and metabolic flux analysis. This broad and multidisciplinary skillset will equip the student with highly transferable expertise to support a successful future career in scientific research.

The project will be based in the Rushworth Lab at Norwich Medical School, UEA, which provides state-of-the-art research facilities embedded within a vibrant and collaborative medical research environment.

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/.

Entry requirements

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

Mode of study

Full time

Start date

1 October 2026

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.

Closing Date: 02/12/2026

Please complete your application via the ‘Apply’ button above.

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