PhD Studentship: Understanding the Microbiome and Phageome in Chronic Lung Infections for the Development of Phage Therapy University of East Anglia in United Kingdom

[4-year fully-funded studentship including direct payment of tuition fees, annual stipend for living expenses (£20,780 for 2025/26), and a Research Training Support Grant each year.] This PhD studentship at the University of East Anglia focuses on understanding the microbiome and phageome in chronic lung infections, specifically bronchiectasis, to advance the development of phage therapy. Bronchiectasis is a prevalent chronic respiratory disease, and recurrent infections with Pseudomonas aeruginosa significantly worsen patient outcomes. The project aims to deepen knowledge of bacterial and phage communities in bronchiectasis sputum, enabling more informed decisions about personalised phage therapy. The research is primarily computational, involving bioinformatics analyses of the microbiome and phageome, complemented by laboratory work such as DNA extractions and microbial isolations. The studentship is MRC-funded and based at the Quadram Institute Bioscience, in collaboration with the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. The successful candidate will join Dr Evelien Adriaenssens’s group, an expert in viromes and microbiome, with support from Prof Eleanor Mishra, a respiratory consultant and associate clinical professor. The Quadram Institute offers a vibrant research environment at the intersection of fundamental and translational research, with extensive training opportunities, scientific support, and funding for conference attendance. The position is fully funded for four years, covering tuition fees, a stipend for living expenses (£20,780 for 2025/26), and a Research Training Support Grant. Applicants should hold at least an Upper Second-Class Honours degree in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, or a related discipline, and demonstrate expertise in either microbiology, molecular biology, or bioinformatics, with a willingness to learn complementary skills. Advanced bioinformatics skills, including command-line proficiency, are essential. English language requirements are IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6 in each category. The PhD student will be based at the Quadram Institute building on the Norwich Research Park, joining a dynamic research community. The application deadline is 6 January 2025, with the program starting on 1 October 2026. For eligibility and application details, visit the provided university links.