Queen's University Belfast School of Pharmacy is offering a fully-funded PhD opportunity to investigate the lung-gut axis in cystic fibrosis using advanced multi-omics approaches. The project is part of the PULSE-CF Innovation Hub, a collaborative initiative funded by the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and LifeArc, involving Queen's University Belfast, University of Manchester, and University of Liverpool. The research aims to identify biomarkers and mechanistic pathways associated with pulmonary exacerbations in cystic fibrosis, focusing on the interplay between the lung and gut microbiomes, host responses, and metabolomic profiles.

The successful candidate will employ comprehensive multi-omics analyses, including microbiome/metagenome, proteomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics, to elucidate molecular networks connecting the gut and lung. The project integrates longitudinal clinical, microbial, inflammatory, and metabolic datasets to uncover factors influencing exacerbation severity, recovery, and recurrence. Training will be provided in microbiology, molecular biology, bioinformatics (R and Python), metabolomics, and data integration, supported by an interdisciplinary supervisory team led by Professor Michael Tunney.

This research will contribute to the development of targeted interventions, such as microbiome-modulating therapies and metabolomics-guided treatments, aiming to reduce the frequency and severity of pulmonary exacerbations and improve clinical outcomes for individuals with cystic fibrosis. The PhD student will be encouraged to participate in outreach activities, including public talks, science communication, and presenting at conferences.

The studentship is fully funded for 3 years, covering tuition fees and an annual stipend at the DfE UK home rate. UK and Republic of Ireland students are automatically considered for funding, while a limited number of competitive international studentships may be available. Applicants must hold or expect to hold a first or upper second class honours degree in pharmacy, biomedical sciences, molecular biology, microbiology, or a related discipline, and demonstrate interest or experience in relevant research areas.

Application deadline is 8 December 2025, with interviews scheduled for February 2026. For more information, contact Professor Michael Tunney at [email protected] or visit the School of Pharmacy website. Apply online via the Queen's University Belfast portal and indicate interest in DfE support if applicable.