Prof P Wilde
No more applications being accepted
Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
We are looking for a talented and motivated PhD candidate with a background in biochemistry, food science, or nutrition to join the well-equipped Warren-lab at the Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), which offers a stimulating and supportive environment for PhD research.
Starch is a major source of dietary energy and an attractive target for influencing human health, with applications in the dietary management of type 2 diabetes and other diseases. Different starch-sources can evoke vastly different metabolic responses (e.g., as evidenced by the Glycaemic Index), depending on their physico-chemical characteristics and susceptibility to amylase digestion. Resistant Starch (RS) Type 1 is a form of starch that is physically entrapped within the food matrix and therefore escapes digestion in the upper-gastrointestinal tract. RS1 is desirable because it has a low glycaemic impact and is fermented by the colonic microbiota. Despite being a major part of our diet, its occurrence in food has never been systematically documented and there is a limited understanding of its digestion, nutritional importance and health effects.
This project will employ the latest in vitro models to investigate the digestion and physiological effects of Type 1 RS, and will begin to probe its dietary prominence and role in health.
The diverse PhD programme offered provides opportunities to develop laboratory skills in a range of physical, biochemical and imaging techniques and to participate in multidisciplinary collaborative research on a national and international scale. A placement at New Food Innovation, Nottingham, will provide exposure to new product development, food manufacture and innovation in a food industry context.
This Industrial CASE project has been shortlisted for funding by the Norwich Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NRPDTP). Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed as part of the studentship competition.
The Norwich Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NRPDTP) offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4 year research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. Students with, or expecting to attain, at least a UK upper second class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply.
For further information and to apply, please visit our website: http://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk/the-programme/industrial-case
Funding Notes
Full Studentships cover a stipend (RCUK rate: £14,553pa – 2017/8), research costs and tuition fees at UK/EU rate, and are available to UK and EU students who meet the UK residency requirements.
Students from EU countries who do not meet the UK residency requirements may be eligible for a fees-only award. Students in receipt of a fees-only award will be eligible for a maintenance stipend awarded by the NRPDTP Bioscience Doctoral Scholarships, which when combined will equal a full studentship. To be eligible students must meet the EU residency requirements. Details on eligibility for funding on the BBSRC website: www.bbsrc.ac.uk/web/FILES/Guidelines/studentship_eligibility.pdf.