Project description

Primary supervisor - Dr Susan Schlimpert

Join us in exploring the hidden functions of ancient immune proteins in bacteria.

Bacteria, like plants and animals, have evolved sophisticated systems to detect and respond to threats. Among them is a fascinating family of proteins known as NLRs (nucleotide-binding oligomerisation domain-like receptors). While well-studied in plants and animals for their roles in immunity, the full scope of NLR function in bacteria remains largely unknown.

This PhD project will investigate NLRs in Streptomyces, which are multicellular, antibiotic-producing bacteria that encode an unusually rich set of these proteins. Recent findings from our lab show that these NLRs are linked to diverse cellular processes, some of which appear to have little to do with immunity at all.

You will explore how these proteins work to shape bacterial behaviour, development, or antibiotic production, what signals they respond to, and how they may have evolved from or contributed to immune systems across different domains of life.

The project will suit a motivated student with an interest in molecular microbiology and computational biology. You will join a vibrant, interdisciplinary research environment with access to cutting-edge tools in genetics, genomics, and bioinformatics.

Informal enquiries to susan.schlimpert@jic.ac.uk are welcome.

The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP) is offering fully funded studentships for October 2026 entry. The programme offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP students undertake a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS) during their study. The placement offers exciting and invaluable work experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team.

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 3,4 or 5 February 2026.

Visit our website for further information on eligibility and how to apply: https://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk/.

Our partners value diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background.

To maximise accessibility and attract students from underrepresented groups to our programme we have introduced bespoke templates for applicant Personal and Research statements which will enable every applicant to fully represent themselves through providing suitable examples and evidence. These forms are on the NRPDTP website and must be used for these sections of the application form.

Entry requirements

At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1. English Language requirement (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category).

Funding

This project is awarded with a 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD DTP studentship. The studentship includes payment of tuition fees (directly to the University), a stipend to cover living expenses (2025/6 stipend rate: £20,780), and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000pa for each year of the studentship.

References

Schlimpert S, Elliot MA. The Best of Both Worlds - Streptomyces coelicolor and Streptomyces venezuelae as model species for studying antibiotic production and bacterial multicellular development. J Bacteriol. 2023 Jul 25;205(7):e0015323. DOI: 10.1128/jb.00153-23 .

Casu B, Sallmen JW, Haas PE, Chandra G, Afanasyev P, Xu J, Pilhofer M, Schlimpert S. Function and firing of the Streptomyces coelicolor contractile injection system requires the membrane protein CisA. Elife. 2025 Jul 8;14:RP104064. DOI: 10.7554/eLife.104064 .

Casu B, Sallmen JW, Schlimpert S, Pilhofer M. Cytoplasmic contractile injection systems mediate cell death in Streptomyces. Nat Microbiol. 2023 Apr;8(4):711-726. DOI: 10.1038/s41564-023-01341-x

Beyond Immunity: Uncovering the Hidden Diversity of Bacterial NLRs (SCHLIMPERT_J26DTP)

Project description

Entry requirements

Funding

References