PhD Studentship: Impact of Western Lifestyle on the Gut Microbiome
Explore the evolutionary and ecological impact of Western lifestyles on the human gut microbiome using large-scale metagenomic data.
Best for:Best for aspiring computational biologists and microbiologists with an interest in evolutionary genomics and metagenomics.
Overview
This 4-year PhD studentship investigates how Western lifestyles shape the ecology and evolution of gut bacteria. Working within an interdisciplinary environment across the Quadram and Earlham Institutes at Norwich Research Park, the successful candidate will analyse thousands of gut metagenomes using advanced computational methods. The project provides comprehensive training in evolutionary genomics, microbial ecology, and bioinformatics, alongside opportunities for international collaboration and an industrial placement. The student will be expected to conduct independent research, publish findings, and contribute to understanding the links between microbiome dynamics and human health.
What you'll do
- Identify ecological and evolutionary signatures associated with industrialisation using large-scale metagenomic datasets.
- Determine how bacterial populations adapt over time across different hosts and environments.
- Reconstruct bacterial metabolic niches and investigate global variations.
- Participate in advanced training programmes in evolutionary theory, high-resolution metagenomics, and statistics.
- Engage in international research visits and a 3-month industrial placement.
- Prepare research findings for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
Requirements
Degree required: BSc or equivalent in a relevant scientific discipline
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; strong written and verbal proficiency
Instruction: English
- Background in biological sciences, bioinformatics, or a related quantitative field
- Interest in microbial ecology, evolutionary biology, or genomics
- Aptitude for computational analysis and data interpretation
- Open to applicants meeting the Norwich Research Park Biosciences DTP eligibility criteria
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-30
Submit your application through the official university postgraduate admissions portal following the guidelines provided for the Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership.
- CV
- Academic transcripts
- Cover letter
Contact
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