PhD Studentship - Determining the effects of Menopause on the Oral Microbiome and Systemic Health

DoS: Dr Wai Ling Kok (wailing.kok@plymouth.ac.uk)

Applications are invited for a three-year PhD studentship. The studentship will start on 1^st October 2026.

Project Description

Menopause is receiving increased scientific attention, including the oral microenvironment changes that occur with female ageing, which may be attributed to hormonal changes during menopause. The decline in oestrogen levels is associated with reduced salivary flow (dry mouth) and oral microbiome dysbiosis, which in turn increases the risk of dental caries and periodontal diseases. The aim of this project is to fully define changes in the oral microbiome during menopause in the context of oestrogen status and clinical oral health, followed by using a suitable preventative intervention to improve these outcomes.

The successful candidate will be trained to conduct a prospective observational and intervention clinical study, analysing metagenomics of the oral microbiome and performing various biochemical assays of the saliva and oral samples. The PhD will work closely with the dental team at the primary care dental clinics (PDSE), which is fully equipped for clinical trials research. They will gain experience and competency in conducting clinical research which will also have direct patient benefit. Therefore, this role is especially suitable for someone who is passionate about translational research and interested in the origin of hormone-driven microbial changes and potential therapeutic innovations in female ageing. It is not necessary to be a registered clinician, but the successful applicant must be highly professional and have strong communication skills, essential for recruitment, consenting and managing people with complex health conditions. 

If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact Dr Wai Ling Kok (wailing.kok@plymouth.ac.uk). 

Eligibility

Applicants should have a first or upper second-class honours degree in an appropriate subject or a relevant Master’s qualification.

Due to funding restrictions, this studentship is only available to those candidates who meet the residency requirements for "Home" status.

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum English requirements for the programme, IELTS Academic score of 6.5 (with no less than 5.5 in each component test area) or equivalent.

The studentship is supported for 3 years and includes full Home tuition fees plus a stipend of £19,830 per annum 2026/27 rate.

The studentship is supported for three years of the four-year registration period. The fourth year is a self-funded ‘writing-up’ year if the thesis extends beyond three years.

Full-time jobs cannot be held alongside a full-time stipend.

How to Apply

To apply, please click the 'Apply' button above. Please include the following documents with your application:

• CV / résumé
• Personal Statement (outlining your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake the project).
• Degree certificates and transcripts (please provide interim transcript if you are still studying). 
• Contact information for two referees familiar with your academic work.

Please also see here for a list of supporting documents to upload with your application.

The closing date for application is 30^th June 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview the week beginning 17^th August. Applicants who have not received a response within six weeks of the closing date should consider their application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

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