About the Project
This project is one of several in competition for funding from the GW4 BioMed3 MRC Doctoral Landscape Programme (DLP), which is offering up to 17 studentships for entry in September 2026.
The partnership brings together the Universities of Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter to develop the next generation of biomedical researchers. Students will have access to the combined research strengths, training expertise and resources of the four research-intensive universities. More information may be found on the DLP's website.
Please note that the application process may close early to either home or international candidates (or both) before the stated deadline if an unprecedented number of applications are received – check the DLP's website for details and updates.
Supervisory Team:
Associate Professor Guillaume Méric (University of Bath)
Associate Professor Kaitlin Wade (University of Bristol)
The Project:
Cardiometabolic health is shaped by lifestyle, diet, host genetics and the gut microbiota, but the relationships between these factors are partially understood. Olfactory receptor (OR) genes could be an unusual and underexplored link potentially connecting these layers. ORs are best known for detecting volatile chemicals in the nasal olfactory epithelium, where genetic variation can influence perception of food-related cues. However, selected ORs are also expressed in other tissues, including the gastrointestinal tract, where they may respond to host- or microbiota-derived metabolites. This raises the possibility that inherited differences in OR genes could be relevant not only to dietary behaviour, but also to metabolic processes and long term cardiometabolic health and aging.
This fully computational PhD will investigate these questions using existing large-scale human cohort data. The project will combine human genetics, nutritional epidemiology, microbiome science and linked electronic health record (EHR) analysis to ask whether variation across OR genes is associated with dietary patterns, gut microbial features and cardiometabolic traits.
This project is designed to give the student substantial scope to shape its direction. Early in the PhD, they will help refine which genetic features, dietary measures and cardiometabolic outcomes should be prioritised, and will develop a reproducible analytical framework. As results emerge, they will decide which findings merit replication, deeper microbiome analysis or further epidemiological investigation.
The studentship will be based at the University of Bath, with co-supervision from Bristol Medical School. The student will join complementary research environments spanning microbiome science, population genomics, epidemiology and causal inference, and will receive training in large scale biomedical data analysis, statistical genetics, microbiome bioinformatics and reproducible computational research. The GW4 BioMed3 programme will also provide structured doctoral training, cross-institutional networking and a Broadening Horizons placement aimed at developing career-relevant skills beyond the immediate PhD project.
This project would suit a student with a strong interest and past experience in quantitative and computational approaches at the interface of genetics, microbiome research, nutrition and cardiometabolic health.
Requirements:
Applicants must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a first or upper second-class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of medical sciences, computing, mathematics or the physical sciences. Applicants with a lower second-class degree will only be considered if they have a grade of Merit or above in a master’s degree. Academic qualifications are considered alongside significant relevant non-academic experience.
Non-UK applicants will also be required to have met the English language entry requirements of the University of Bath.
Enquiries and Applications:
Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Dr Méric on gm657@bath.ac.uk .
Formal applications must be submitted direct to the GW4 BioMed3 DLP using their online application form.
A list of all the projects and details on how to apply are available DLP’s website. You may apply for up to 2 projects and submit one application per candidate only.
APPLICATIONS CLOSE AT 17:00 (GMT) ON 21 OCTOBER 2026.
IMPORTANT: You do NOT need to apply to the University of Bath at this stage – only those applicants who are successful in obtaining an offer of funding from the DTP will be required to submit an application for an offer of study from Bath.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:
We value a diverse research environment and aim to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated and respected. We welcome and encourage applications from under-represented groups.
If you have circumstances that you feel we should be aware of that have affected your educational attainment, then please feel free to tell us about it in your application form. The best way to do this is a short paragraph at the end of your personal statement.
Funding Notes
Candidates may be considered for a 4-year GW4 BioMed3 MRC DLP studentship covering tuition fees, a stipend (£21,805 per annum for 2026/27, updated annually) and research training and support funding of up to £5,000 per annum dependent on project requirements.
Studentships are open to both Home and International students. International applicants should note that funding does NOT cover the cost of a student visa, healthcare surcharge and other costs of moving to the UK. In line with guidance from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the number of awards available to International candidates will be limited to 30% of the total.
Where will I study?
University of Bath
At Bath we are known for excellence in teaching and research; our welcoming community; and for providing students with outstanding preparation for the workplace.