PhD Studentship: Combatting Salmonella Infection in the Gut with Sialic Acid Derivatives

Primary Supervisor - Prof Nathalie Juge 

This PhD studentship provides an exciting opportunity for the successful candidate to address fundamental questions on the role of mucin-derived glycans on Salmonella infection in the gut.  

The mucus layer in the intestine represents an important line of defence against bacterial infections such as Salmonella. Sialic acid is an abundant sugar residue found in terminal locations of mucin glycan chains and a key target of gut bacteria inhabiting the mucus niche. In this PhD project, the student will use in vitro and in vivo approaches including organ-on-chip technology to investigate the role of sialic acid derivatives in limiting pathogen infection.  

The PhD student will join a large and dynamic multidisciplinary team at the Quadram Institute Bioscience and receive mentoring and training in relevant experimental models and state-of-the art analytical tools. Through this PhD studentship, the student will acquire expertise in molecular microbiology, glycobiology, cell biology, bioinformatics and in vivo skills. 

The student will benefit from the established network of international collaborations of the host Labs in this research area. Training will embrace research practice and theory, management, communication (to scientific and lay audiences), intellectual property, teamwork and technical writing. The student will present his/her work to internal seminars and to relevant microbiology international meetings. The student will be encouraged to participate into outreach activities and innovative competitions.  

The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP) is offering fully funded studentships for October 2025 entry. The programme offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP CASE students undertake a three to 18-month placement with the non-academic partner during their study. The placement offers experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team. Students with, or expecting to attain, at least an upper second-class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply. 

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 28, 29 or 30 January 2025.  

Visit our website for further information on eligibility and how to apply: https://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk/

Our partners value diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background.  

Funding Details

Additional Funding Information

This project is awarded with a 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD DTP studentship. The studentship includes payment of tuition fees (directly to the University), a stipend to cover living expenses (2024/5 stipend rate: £19,237), and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000pa for each year of the studentship. 

Closing Date: 25 November 2024 (at 11.59 pm) 

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