Full time PhD studentship: Investigating biomarkers for health and disease: novel non-invasive methods for monitoring gut microbiota in different physiological conditions

Ref: 10190
Based in Milton Keynes
Three years from 1 October 2017
Stipend: £14,553 per year

The gastrointestinal tract interacts with its associated microbiome, affecting metabolic health throughout life. Gut microbes derive their energy from fermentation of host dietary components, which generates different representative profiles of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), according to diet, age or specific diseases. Recent studies suggest that microbes influence the central nervous system via the gut-brain axis to alter responses to available nutrients, potentially affecting body fat composition. The balance of gut microbiota are modified by antibiotics and surgical interventions which can lead to dysbiosis, each condition with a different bacterial and potentially VOC profile.

We aim to validate VOC profiling for monitoring metabolic changes in samples. Faecal samples may be collected from animals:

• with altered metabolism (e.g. ApoA-I knockouts);
• fed high and low fat/sugar diets;
• with dietary changes across the lifespan, such as during development, reproduction and ageing.

Samples will be analysed via SIFT-MS for VOC profiles and undergo bacterial profiling/sequencing.

Further information

This project is fully funded for 3 years (with tuition fees covered for UK/EU applicants) and provides a stipend of £14,553 per year. Applicants will be expected to have a degree (classification 2:1, or higher) in physiology or cell biology, biochemistry, or a relevant subject. Candidates with backgrounds in molecular biology, microbiology, or with some experience of analytical chemistry are particularly invited to apply. Further details about the project are available at http://www.open.ac.uk/science/life-health-chemical-sciences/phd-studentships-vacancies.

How to Apply

Please send an email with your CV, a completed application form and a personal statement (outlining your suitability for the studentship, what you hope to achieve from the PhD and your research experience to date) to [Email Address Removed]

Closing date: 24 February 2017

Interview date: Interviews will be arranged promptly after the closing date, and can be conducted via Skype if appropriate.

LHCS holds Athena Swan Bronze Status.

Equal Opportunity is University policy.