NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre and Haleon PhD Studentship: Investigation into the Links between Periodontal Disease and Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Award summary

100% of home tuition fees paid and stipend at UKRI rate, currently £19,237 per year. Successful international candidates will be required to fund the difference between home and international fees. 

Overview

Periodontal disease is a common infectious disease. Although the disease is caused by changes in our oral microbiota, the clinical manifestations (destruction of the gum tissue and bone supporting the teeth) are driven by a dysregulated immune response to these changes. Inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, are also caused by a dysregulated immune response to the intestinal microbiota. Given their aetiopathogenic similarities, and the fact the mouth and intestine are part of the gastrointestinal tract, it is no surprise there is evidence of bidirectional links between periodontal disease and inflammatory bowel disease. 

The PhD will utilise state of the art proteomics and advanced flow cytometry techniques to investigate the biological basis of the links between the diseases as part of a unique clinical study. The PhD will be Based in the Dental School at Newcastle University, which is part of the NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre. The project will be supervised by a team of scientists and clinicians who specialise in oral and gastrointestinal diseases. It also involves collaboration with University College London and the NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, along with our industrial partner, Haleon.  

Informal enquiries are welcome. Please contact Dr. Christopher Nile (christopher.nile1@newcastle.ac.uk). 

Number of awards: 1

Start date: January 2025

Award duration: 3 years

Sponsor:

• Haleon
• NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre 
• Newcastle University School of Dental Sciences       

Supervisors

• Dr Chris Nile (Newcastle University) 
• Dr Richard Holliday (Newcastle University) 
• Prof Chris Lamb (Newcastle University)
• Prof Andrew Smith (University College London) 

Eligibility criteria

A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in a relevant subject. A Masters with a strong research training element would be highly advantageous.  

If your first language is not English you need an overall IELTS score of 6.5 (at least 5.5 in all sub-skills) or equivalent language qualification. 

International applicants may require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate prior to obtaining their visa and to study on this programme.

How to apply

You must apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal

In ‘Course choice’ tab, put ‘Postgraduate Research’ in 'Type of Study', ‘Full Time’ in ‘Mode of Study’, ‘2024’ in ‘Year of Entry’, code ‘8440F’ in ‘Course Title’, blank in ‘Research Area’. Press ‘Search’, select ‘PhD Translational and Clinical Research (FT)’, and save selection.

Either upload a document or write into ‘Personal Statement’. Put code ‘TC103’ in ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’. When prompted for research proposal, select ‘Write Proposal’. Type in the title of the research project from this advert. A research proposal is not required. You can also upload a covering letter and CV, please state how your interests and experience relate to the project.

You must submit one application per studentship, you cannot apply for multiple studentships on one application.

Contact details

For further details, contact:

Dr. Chris Nile
Newcastle University
School of Dental Sciences
Email: Christopher.nile1@newcastle.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 (0) 7780008332

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