Linking Myeloma Therapies, the Microbiome, and Immune Defence (HELLMICH_U26MMB)
Key Details
- Application deadline
- 6 January 2026 (midnight UK time)
- Location
- UEA
- Funding type
- Competition Funded (Home and International)
- 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
Primary supervisor - Dr Charlotte Hellmich
Background
Each year, approximately 6,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Despite advances in therapy, infections remain a leading cause of morbidity and early mortality in these patients. Increasing evidence suggests that chemo- and immunotherapies can alter the gut microbiome, which is closely linked to immune regulation. Both innate and adaptive immune responses can be shaped by changes in the microbiome. We therefore hypothesise that myeloma treatment–induced alterations to the gut microbiome directly impact immune function and increase susceptibility to infection.
Research Methodology
This PhD project will investigate how myeloma therapies affect the gut microbiome, and how these changes influence immune function and infection risk. The student will assess microbiome alterations in both preclinical mouse models and stool samples collected from patients with myeloma. In parallel, the project will explore how these changes impact immune cell populations and responses to infection. To do this, the PhD student will learn in vivo techniques including animal handling, as well as isolation of primary human samples under ethical approval. The student will receive training in cellular biology methodologies including, DNA isolation, library preparation and sequencing as well as bioinformatic skills to analyse the acquired sequencing data.
Training and Supervision
The project will be supervised by Dr Hellmich and Prof Rushworth (Norwich Medical School). Dr Hellmich is a clinical researcher with direct access to primary patient samples, while Prof Rushworth has successfully supervised ten PhD students, all of whom progressed to postdoctoral positions. The laboratory provides a supportive and collaborative environment, with weekly lab meetings, journal clubs, and strong encouragement to present at local, national, and international conferences.
This project offers the opportunity to develop advanced research skills in immunology, microbiome science, and bioinformatics, alongside transferable skills essential for future career development.
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 Tuesday 10 February 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: http://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 studentship including direct payment of tuition fees to the University, stipend for living expenses (2025/26 rate: £20,780) and a Research Training Support Grant for each year of the studentship.
References
Jibril A*, Hellmich C*, Wojtowicz EE, Hampton K, Maynard RS, Mistry JJ, Moore J, Bowles KM, Rushworth SA (2023) Plasma cell derived mtDAMPs activate macrophage STING pathway which promotes myeloma progression. Blood.
Hellmich C, Wojtowicz EE, Moore J, Mistry JJ, Jibril A, Johnson , Smith J, Beraza N, Bowles KM, Rushworth SA, (2022) p16INK4A dependent senescence in the bone marrow niche drives age-related metabolic changes of hematopoietic progenitors. Blood Advances.
Mistry, JJ*., Hellmich, C*., Moore, J., Jibril, A., Macauley, I., Moreno-Gonzalez, M., Di Palma, F., Beraza, N., Bowles, KM. and Rushworth, SA. (2021) Free fatty acid transport via CD36 drives β-oxidation mediated hematopoietic stem cell response to infection. Nature Communications. *Joint first authors