Rushworth

[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 fully-funded PhD studentship at the University of East Anglia offers an exciting opportunity to investigate the interplay between myeloma therapies, the gut microbiome, and immune defence mechanisms. Multiple myeloma affects thousands of individuals annually in the UK, and despite therapeutic advances, infection remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Recent research highlights the impact of chemo- and immunotherapies on the gut microbiome, which in turn influences both innate and adaptive immune responses. The project aims to elucidate how treatment-induced changes in the microbiome affect immune function and susceptibility to infection. The successful candidate will employ a combination of preclinical mouse models and analysis of stool samples from myeloma patients to assess microbiome alterations. In parallel, the research will explore the consequences of these changes on immune cell populations and infection responses. Comprehensive training will be provided in in vivo techniques, including animal handling and the isolation of primary human samples under ethical approval. The student will also gain expertise in cellular biology methodologies such as DNA isolation, library preparation, sequencing, and bioinformatics for data analysis. The laboratory environment is highly supportive and collaborative, featuring weekly meetings, journal clubs, and encouragement to present research at conferences. Supervision is provided by Dr. Hellmich, a clinical researcher with direct access to patient samples, and Prof. Rushworth, an experienced supervisor with a strong track record of guiding PhD students to successful postdoctoral careers. The project is based at Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia. Funding includes a 4-year studentship covering full tuition fees, an annual stipend (£20,780 for 2025/26), and a Research Training Support Grant. Applicants should hold at least a UK equivalent Bachelors (Honours) 2:1 degree and meet English language requirements (IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category). The position is full-time, with a start date of 1 October 2026. For eligibility and application details, visit the university's application portal.

[4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD CASE studentship with Inspiralis Limited. Includes full tuition fees, a stipend of £20,780 (2025/6 rate), and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000 per annum.] This fully funded PhD studentship at the University of East Anglia investigates the role of non-canonical autophagy, specifically LC3-associated phagocytosis (LAP), in the liver's response to unhealthy Western diets. With obesity and fatty liver disease reaching epidemic levels in the UK, this project addresses the urgent need to understand how poor dietary habits contribute to liver steatosis, hepatocyte toxicity, and inflammation. The research aims to define the mechanisms mediating lipid uptake and metabolism in the liver under high-fat dietary conditions, with the goal of identifying targets to preserve liver metabolic health and prevent disease progression. The successful candidate will receive comprehensive training in cellular and molecular biology, immunology, confocal microscopy, spectral flow cytometry, and preclinical in vivo models. Supervised by Dr Naiara Beraza and Rushworth, both experienced molecular biologists with a translational research focus, the student will work across the Quadram Institute and University of East Anglia, gaining exposure to multidisciplinary research environments and presenting findings at conferences. The project is part of the Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP), which offers a vibrant research community, a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS), and extensive professional development support. The studentship covers full tuition, a competitive stipend (£20,780 for 2025/6), and a generous research training support grant. Applicants must hold at least a UK 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) and meet English language requirements (IELTS 6.5 overall, 6.0 in each category). The position is full-time, starting 1 October 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in February 2026. For more information and to apply, visit the UEA and NRPDTP websites.