PhD Studentship: The Role of Bilophila Wadsworthia in Microbiome-Driven Metabolic Dysfunction: Impact of Obesity-Associated Microbiomes

Primary supervisor – Prof Arjan Narbad

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to explore the role of Bilophila wadsworthia in microbiome-driven metabolic dysfunction. This interdisciplinary project will investigate how obesity-associated microbiomes influence B. wadsworthia expansion, its contribution to ethanol and choline metabolism, and the potential for probiotic and inosine-based interventions.

The research will integrate in vitro gut models, gnotobiotic mouse studies, and multi-omics approaches, including metagenomics, metabolomics, and microbial genetics. You will utilise a B. wadsworthia mutant library to identify key genes involved in its adaptation to different microbiome contexts and its role in trimethylamine (TMA) production.

This project is an excellent opportunity to gain expertise in microbiome research, host-microbe interactions, and metabolic disease mechanisms. You will receive training in anaerobic microbiology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, and cutting-edge analytical techniques such as liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

You will be based at the Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), a leading research centre for microbiome and health-related studies, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and a collaborative research environment. You will join a multidisciplinary team, benefiting from regular seminars, journal clubs, and opportunities to present at national and international conferences.

Applicants should have a strong background in microbiology, molecular biology, or related disciplines. Experience in bioinformatics, microbiome research, or metabolomics is desirable but not essential, as training will be provided.

This fully funded PhD project offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge microbiome research with direct implications for human health. 

The Microbes, Microbiomes and Bioinformatics (MMB) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) is open to UK and international candidates with relevant undergraduate degrees for entry in October 2025 and offers the opportunity to undertake a fully-funded 4-year PhD research project supported by the UKRI Medical Research Council in microbiology and microbial bioinformatics.

Our unique and comprehensive training programme empowers students to feel comfortable running sophisticated computer analyses alongside laboratory work and emphasises problem-based learning in microbial bioinformatics, professional development and research skills. All MMB DTP students undertake a Professional Placement.

Interviews for shortlisted candidates will take place on Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21 May 2025.

The MMB DTP is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. Students are selected without regard to age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, ethnicity, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation or social background. We value curiosity, independence of thought, plus an aptitude for research that combines laboratory work and bioinformatics.

For information on eligibility and how to apply: www.uea.ac.uk/phd/mmbdtp

Funding Details

Additional Funding Information 

This project is awarded with a 4-year fully-funded studentship including direct payment of tuition fees to the University, stipend for living expenses (2025/26 rate: £20,780) and a Research Training Support Grant for each year of the studentship.

Please complete your application via the ‘Apply’ button above.

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