Fully funded PhD in Microbial Metabolites: An exciting opportunity (starting in 2026) is now available at the University of the West of England (UWE). The opportunity is for students passionate about gut health, microbiome research, and translational biomedical science.
The host institution, together with the University of Bristol and Vidiia Ltd are currently recruiting a PhD student to investigate how gut microbiome metabolites influence intestinal epithelial barrier function, inflammation and homeostasis. In addition, the program also focuses on developing rapid molecular readouts of gut health.
The selected candidate will be at UWE Bristol, working closely with collaborators at the University of Bristol and Vidiia. The program will be co-supervised by Prof Emma Vincent (University of Bristol), Dr Aurore Poirier (Vidiia Ltd) and Dr Alexandros Stratakos (UWE Bristol).
Why a PhD Position in Microbial Metabolites at UWE?
Funding and Scholarship: It provides a high level of financing, which means that students are not distracted by financial matters.
Practical Training: You will have an opportunity to train in cell culture, transcriptomics, molecular diagnostics and receptor biology, and have a possibility of working with an industry partner.
Research Area: The project will enhance the knowledge of the molecular language between the microbes and the host cells.
Program Description – Fully funded PhD in Microbial Metabolites
This PhD examines how gut microbiome metabolites shape epithelial barrier function and intestinal homeostasis. Selected candidate will develop rapid molecular readouts to monitor epithelial responses in real-time as biomarkers of health, dysregulation and inflammation.
In this research, you will be a PhD student who will explore the relationship between gut epithelial cells and their response to microbial compounds, with a focus on signaling mechanisms and transcriptional regulation. Using the models of the intestinal epithelial cell lines and three-dimensional (3D) intestinal organoids, you will:
- characterize cell and 3D intestinal organoid responses to preprogrammed microbial metabolites and conditioned media of select bacterial strains.
- You will find the transcriptional programs triggered by these exposures using RNA sequencing time courses, particularly focusing on the inflammation-related genes as well as the genes linked to the barrier functioning and receptors.
- Design and test a panel of reverse transcription loopmediatedisothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assays specific to biological targets of gene markers of relevance to epithelial status monitoring, to be rapid and accurate.
- Apply this assay panel to map dynamic responses, screen metabolite mixtures, test dose responses, and probe the role of G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) in shaping signaling outcomes.
Qualifications For Fully funded PhD in Microbial Metabolites
Applicants must have a background in biomedical science, molecular or cellular biology and related disciplines.
Must have good communication and researching skill
Application Process
To apply, candidates must submit a complete application package directly to the supervisor via email
Deadline and Contact Information
Further project details and how to apply below and in the comments. School of Applied Sciences (UWE Bristol) please share or tag anyone who might be interested.
For more information, visit the official website