Susan Schlimpert

[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 invites applications to explore the hidden diversity and functions of bacterial NLRs (nucleotide-binding oligomerisation domain-like receptors) in Streptomyces. While NLRs are well-studied in plants and animals for their roles in immunity, their functions in bacteria remain largely unexplored. The project, supervised by Dr Susan Schlimpert, will investigate how these proteins influence bacterial behaviour, development, and antibiotic production, as well as their evolutionary significance in immune systems across different domains of life. The research will employ advanced techniques in molecular microbiology, genetics, genomics, and bioinformatics, providing the student with access to a vibrant, interdisciplinary research environment. The position is part of the Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP), which offers a comprehensive 4-year PhD experience, including a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS) to enhance professional development. The studentship is funded by the NRPDTP in partnership with Inspiralis Limited and covers full tuition fees, a stipend of £20,780 per year, and a research training support grant of £5,000 per year. Applicants should 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 start date is 1 October 2026, and shortlisted applicants will be interviewed in early February 2026. For more information on eligibility and how to apply, visit the provided links. Informal enquiries can be directed to Dr Susan Schlimpert at [email protected].