PhD Studentship - Running on Empty: Metabolic Ageing in Blood Stem Cells

[4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD CASE studentship with Inspiralis Limited. Includes payment of tuition fees, a stipend of £20,780 per year (2025/6 rate), and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000 per year.] This fully funded PhD studentship at the University of East Anglia investigates the impact of metabolic ageing on blood stem cells, with a particular focus on glutamine metabolism and its role in sustaining blood production. As the global population ages, understanding the biological mechanisms underlying physiological ageing is increasingly important, especially as metabolic alterations can disrupt tissue function and contribute to age-related diseases. The project will explore both the bone marrow environment and intrinsic metabolic defects acquired by blood stem cells, aiming to determine how these changes affect stem-cell function and metabolic output. The successful candidate will join the Rushworth Lab at Norwich Medical School, benefiting from state-of-the-art research facilities and a vibrant, collaborative research environment. Training will be provided in a wide range of advanced techniques, including primary cell isolation, metabolomics, bioinformatics, flow cytometry (FACS), LC–MS-based metabolite tracing, qPCR, western blotting, ELISA, and metabolic flux analysis. The studentship is part of the Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP), which offers a comprehensive professional development and research skills training programme. All NRPDTP students undertake a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS) during their study, providing valuable work experience and professional development support. The studentship is a 4-year CASE award in partnership with Inspiralis Limited, covering full tuition fees, a stipend of £20,780 per year (2025/6 rate), and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000 per year. Applicants must hold at least a UK equivalent Bachelors (Honours) degree with a 2:1 classification and meet English language requirements (IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category). The application deadline is 2 December 2026, with interviews for shortlisted candidates scheduled for early February 2026. For further information and to apply, visit the UEA postgraduate research application portal and the NRPDTP website.