A matter of gut instinct: from mucus to microbiome (LANGRIDGE_Q26MMBiCASE)
Key Details
- Application deadline
- 8 April 2026 (midnight UK time)
- Funding type
- Competition funded project (Home applicants only)
- Location
- Quadram Institute
- Start date
- 1 October 2026
- Mode of study
- Full-time
- Programme type
- PhD
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Welcome to Norwich
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Project description
This cutting-edge PhD project is hosted at Quadram Institute Bioscience in collaboration with Origin Sciences. Using large-scale metagenomic data from non-invasive mucus sampling, in this project we’ll explore the functional capacity of the gut microbiome in gastrointestinal disease and cancer. Moving beyond taxonomy, we aim to uncover microbial functions, integrate host genomic data, and investigate host-microbe interactions. This multi-omics approach offers the chance to develop new analytical pipelines, generate novel biological insights, and contribute to improved diagnostics of gastrointestinal disease and cancer. Ideal for candidates passionate about microbiome research, bioinformatics, and translational science.
The supervisory team consists of leading experts Dr Gemma Langridge, microbiology and bacterial (meta)genomics, Dr Dipali Singh, computational systems biology, Dr Andrea Telatin, Bioinformatics Lead at Quadram and Professor Andrew Page, Chief Technology Officer at Origin Sciences.
Together they will provide world class training and support to the student in developing cutting edge skills in computational and analytical areas including taxonomic and functional profiling of the gut microbiome, human genetic analysis and host-microbiome associations.During the PhD programme the student will spend three months at Origin Sciences, gaining invaluable experience working in an industry setting translating research into clinical diagnostics. This will include exposure to the complete end-to-end diagnostic development pathway and observing sample collection in real clinical settings.
Located on the Norwich Research Park, the Quadram Institute is a state of the art building with outstanding facilities. The student will join a diverse community of microbiologists and informaticians, alongside a cohort of graduate researchers with exceptional training opportunities.
Informal enquiries can be sent to gemma.langridge@quadram.ac.uk
The Microbes, Microbiomes and Bioinformatics (MMB) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) is open to UK and international candidates with relevant undergraduate degrees for entry in October 2026 and offers the opportunity to undertake a fully-funded 4-year PhD research project supported by the UKRI Medical Research Council in microbiology and microbial bioinformatics.
Our unique and comprehensive training programme empowers students to feel comfortable running sophisticated computer analyses alongside laboratory work and emphasises problem-based learning in microbial bioinformatics, professional development and research skills. All MMB DTP students undertake a Professional Placement.
Interviews for shortlisted candidates will take place on the 28 or 29th April 2026.
The MMB DTP is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. Students are selected without regard to age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, ethnicity, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation or social background. We value curiosity, independence of thought, plus an aptitude for research that combines laboratory work and bioinformatics.
For information on eligibility and how to apply: www.uea.ac.uk/phd/mmbdtp
Entry requirements
At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1. English Language requirement (MED/SCI equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category).
Funding
This project is awarded with a 4-year fully funded MMB PhD iCASE studentship with Origin Sciences. The studentship includes payment of tuition fees (directly to the University), a stipend to cover living expenses (2026/7 stipend rate: £21,805), an iCASE programme stipend enhancement of £2500pa and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000pa for each year of the studentship.
References
Tock AJ, et al (2025). Hologenomic analysis of rectal mucus sampling for detection of adenomatous polyps and colorectal cancer. Nat Commun 16, 10876. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-66006-1
Beghini F, et al (2021). Integrating taxonomic, functional, and strain-level profiling of diverse microbial communities with bioBakery3. eLife https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.65088
Carter C, et al (2025). Genome-scale metabolic modelling of trimethoprim’s mode of action reveals free ATP salvaged to restore purine pool. bioRxiv https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.07.25.666800