PhD Studentship: Elucidating E. Coli-microbiome Crosstalk in Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s Disease (CD) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease affecting > 120,000 people in the UK. It is a life-long condition often diagnosed in young adulthood. Symptoms include chronic abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and weight loss. There is no cure, and many patients require surgery. In addition, current therapies with anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive drugs are associated with severe side effects. The specific causes for CD remain unknown, but research suggests that environmental triggers and underlying genetic factors lead to an imbalance in the gut microbiome. This can result in increased permeability of the gut epithelium and overactive immune response. Notably, a particular type of E. coli which adheres to and invades intestinal epithelial cells (AIEC), is highly prevalent in CD tissue, but it remains unclear if AIEC is a cause or consequence of the disease. To devise efficient treatment strategies aimed at restoring microbial homeostasis in CD, it is vital to understand the interactions between AIEC and the microbiome and how this affects the gut epithelium.

In this project, we will unravel AIEC-microbiome crosstalk and its impact on inflammation in CD by applying a microaerobic intestinal cell model, human organoid technology, cell and molecular biology, confocal microscopy and metagenomic sequence analysis. By deciphering the interactions between AIEC, the microbiome and the intestinal epithelium, this project will contribute to the development of improved therapies for CD aimed at restoring microbial homeostasis.

The project will be based at the Norwich Research Park in the modern, well-equipped Bob Champion Research & Education Building. The successful PhD student will be supervised by an interdisciplinary expert team at the UEA Norwich Medical School (Schüller) and the Earlham Institute (Quince).

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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