PhD Studentship: Discovery of Disease Modulating Peptides from the Human Microbiome

We are looking for a motivated student to work on an interdisciplinary project that spans bioinformatics, microbiology and chemistry. In this 4-year PhD project, the candidate will explore and characterize bioactive metabolites produced by bacteria associated with patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer (CRC).

Human-associated microbes produce metabolites that can have key effects on the human host, either beneficially, such as antibacterial compounds, or negatively, such as toxins. Computational analysis of genomic data highlights a vast number of pathways to such molecules, yet little is known about the structure or function of most of these complex metabolites. The PhD student will analyse large metagenomic datasets from bacteria associated with patients to discover new metabolites. These molecules will be characterized chemically and biologically, with the aim of understanding how these molecules impact human health.

This multidisciplinary project will be based in the laboratory of Dr Andrew Truman in the Department of Molecular Microbiology at the John Innes Centre, which has world-class facilities for bacterial genetics and biosynthesis. Further expertise is provided by secondary supervisor Dr Falk Hildebrand (Quadram Institute), who is an expert in bacterial metagenomics associated with diseases such as IBD and has developed multiple tools for understanding complex metagenomic datasets. This project provides an exciting opportunity to discover new bioactive molecules and develop skills across informatics, biology and chemistry. Applications are welcomed from students who are excited to work on a multidisciplinary project across the biological and chemical sciences.

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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