PhD Studentship - Investigating the Links between Appetite Control, the Gut Microbiome and Anorexia/cachexia in Gastrointestinal Cancer Patients

Project advert

Anorexia and cachexia, associated with malignancy, are commonly observed in metastatic cancer patients yet remain poorly understood. Metastatic upper gastrointestinal cancer patients who are anorexic at baseline have poorer clinical outcomes compared to those who are not anorexic at baseline. The mechanisms involved are unclear. The gut microbiome has an important influence on human health and the development of chronic diseases including some cancers, but the role of the gut microbiota in modulating treatment responses and upper gastrointestinal cancer progression remains unclear. This is an exciting project suitable for an enthusiastic and passionate PhD candidate aiming to explore the mechanisms involved in driving anorexia/cachexia and links with the gut microbiome. The successful candidate will have support from the University Doctoral College and be part of the Department of Life Sciences, based in the newly opened Dalton Building in central Manchester. The project is in partnership with The Christie’s Hospital. This project will involve the student working in a hands-on manner with patients and they must work effectively with clinical staff in the hospital for the successful delivery of the project. The student is expected to travel between the University’s Dalton Building and the Hospital Trust in Withington, South Manchester.

Project aims and objectives

This project aims to explore the links between appetite control, the gut microbiome and anorexia/cachexia in upper gastrointestinal cancer patients. Using clinical and laboratory-based testing, procedures and techniques, the objectives will be to determine associations with blood markers of appetite signalling and inflammation, and gut microbiome profiles in patients, and to determine the effect of cancer treatment on these. 

Funding

Only students can apply. Home tuition fees will be covered for the duration of the 3 year award, which is £5,006 for the year 2025/26.

The student will receive a standard stipend payment for the duration of the award. These payments are set at a level determined by the UKRI, currently £20,780 for the academic year 2025/26.

Specific requirements of the candidate

Essential:

• Minimum UK 2:1 honours undergraduate degree or equivalent in a pertinent subject
• Ability to work independently and within a team, adapting to unexpected challenges
• Successful experience of conducting research with human participants and ex-vivo blood sample analysis in the laboratory

Desirable:

• Experience of working with patients and clinical staff in a UK based hospital
• Phlebotomy skills/qualification and experience of blood or stool sample collection and analysis
• Experience in gut microbiome analysis and/or bioinformatics

How to apply

Interested applicants should contact Dr. Adora Yau (a.yau@mmu.ac.uk) for an informal discussion.

To apply you will need to complete the online application form for a full time PhD in Biological Science.

You should also submit a standard CV. As part of the application, please provide a cover letter addressing the project’s aims and objectives, demonstrating how the skills you have map to the area of research and the essential/desirable skills. You should also address why you see this area as being of importance and interest. 

You will need to upload your statement in the supporting documents section of the University’s Admissions Portal.

Applications closing date: 12^th March 2026

Expected start date: October 2026.

Please quote the reference: SciEng-AY-2026-27-GI Cancer Cachexia

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