PhD Studentship: Exploring the Genetics of Gut Microbiomes Spatially Resolved in IBD Patients

We are looking for a motivated and computationally interested student, to work in bioinformatic project on cutting-edge metagenomics and clinical translation. In the 4-year PhD project, the candidate will explore the evolution of the gut microbiome and changes in the epithelium in patients with Inflammatory Bowels Disease (IBD). To enable this, the candidate will develop new methods for high-resolution metagenomics and work with population genetics theory. This will cumulate in a new understanding of host-microbial interactions through acclimatization and adaptation, that will be validated in additional cohorts.

The project is a collaboration between the Quadram Institute (QIB), Earlham Institute (EI) and Imperial College. If you are interested in metagenomics, understanding the disease association of bacteria in the human gut, in-depth work with next-generation as well as 3rd generation sequencing technologies, then this PhD will be right for you. The ideal candidate will enjoy learning about metagenomic sequencing and researching disease in patient cohorts, working with machine learning techniques and programming computers. The candidate will learn about different flavors of metagenomic sequencing, how to analyze and interpret this data and use it to describe dysbiotic microbiomes.

Visiting international conferences and training courses as well as exchanges with international collaborators are part of student training. The candidate will be supervised by Prof Hildebrand (QIB, EI), Prof Papatheodorou (EI) and Dr Korcsmaros (QIB, Imperial College) in a collaboration centered at the multinational Norwich Research Park (NRP). The location hosts a vibrant and active research community and multiple startups, conveniently located adjacent to the University of East Anglia (UEA). Norwich is a mid-sized historical, medieval city with a large student community, situated at the Norfolk coast with an active pub and coffee scene. For further information and to apply, please visit our websites: https://quadram.ac.uk/about/student-opportunities/how-to-apply/ or https://www.falk.science/

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

Entry requirements

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

Mode of study: Full-time

Start date: 1 October 2026

Additional Funding Information

This project is awarded with a 4-year fully-funded studentship including direct payment of tuition fees to the University, stipend for living expenses (2025/26 rate: £20,780) and a Research Training Support Grant for each year of the studentship.

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