Understanding how anaerobic bacteria cause prostate cancer

A fully funded PhD studentship is available at the University of East Anglia (UEA), Norwich, UK, focusing on the role of anaerobic bacteria in the development of prostate cancer. The project, supervised by Professor Colin Cooper, aims to investigate whether the presence of a specific set of anaerobic bacteria (the Anaerobic Bacteria Biomarker Set, ABBS) directly causes prostate cancer. The research will explore mechanisms such as DNA damage, immune modulation, and cellular pathway impacts, and is linked to the international Pan Prostate Cancer Group. The successful candidate will join the Cancer Genetics team at Norwich Medical School, working in an interdisciplinary environment with opportunities to develop expertise in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell and cancer biology, and bioinformatics. Training will include advanced laboratory techniques and bioinformatics mentoring. Applicants should have a strong background in relevant biological sciences and hold at least a 2:1 UK degree or equivalent. The studentship is funded for three years, covering tuition at the Home-fee rate, a stipend starting at £20,780, and £1,000 per year for research training. The application deadline is 2 November 2025. For more information and to apply, visit the official UEA course page.