Investigating the role of glycopeptidases in mucin breakdown by the human gut microbiota.

About the Project

The gut microbiota plays a central role in shaping human health, and one of its most important points of interaction with the host is the colon’s mucus barrier. This protective layer prevents pathogens and inflammatory molecules from reaching the epithelium, yet many gut bacteria have evolved the ability to use mucin, the key component of mucus, as a nutrient source. When balanced, this process supports a healthy barrier, but in conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer or diets low in fibre, mucin degradation can become dysregulated, contributing to inflammation and disease progression.

A newly emerging family of enzymes, known as M60‑like glycopeptidases, is thought to play a major role in mucin breakdown, but their activities and biological significance remain poorly understood. This PhD project offers an exciting opportunity to explore these enzymes from multiple scientific angles, using an integrated, interdisciplinary approach.

Working with important mucin‑degrading gut bacteria such as Akkermansia muciniphila, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron and Bacteroides caccae, you will gain hands‑on experience across a wide range of techniques. These include biochemical enzyme characterisation, advanced glyco-analytical methods (ion chromatography, LC-MS/MS), structural biology approaches to uncover molecular specificity, and cell biology tools such as antibody‑based localisation to understand where and when these enzymes are produced.

Together, these approaches will enable you to build a comprehensive picture of how M60‑like enzymes contribute to mucin degradation and how this influences gut barrier function in health and disease. This interdisciplinary project offers training in biochemistry, microbiology, structural biology and advanced analytical methods, and would suit applicants from a variety of scientific backgrounds who are interested in host-microbe interactions and their relevance to human health.

Funding

Students who have, or are expecting to attain, at least an upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject, are invited to apply. Funding is available for Home (UK) students to cover tuition fees, a tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate (indicative amount in year 1 in 2026-27, £21,805) and research costs, for four years. Applicants normally required to cover International fees will have to cover the difference between the Home and the International tuition fee rates. There is no additional funding available to cover NHS Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) costs, visa costs, flights etc.

Funding for this studentship is awarded on a competitive basis and is not guaranteed; availability will depend on the outcome of the selection process and subject to final approval by the University.

HOW TO APPLY

Please complete the following application form – Google Form

Applicants can only apply for 1 project; any additional applications will not be accepted.

Applicants should send the following documents to FMSstudentships@newcastle.ac.uk:

• a CV (including contact details of at least two academic (or other relevant) referees).
• a Cover letter – stating your project choice, as well as including additional information you feel is pertinent to your application.
• copies of your relevant undergraduate degree transcripts and certificates.
• a copy of your IELTS or TOEFL English language certificate (where required)
• a copy of your passport (photo page).

A GUIDE TO THE FORMAT REQUIRED FOR THE APPLICATION DOCUMENTS IS AVAILABLE

Please submit your documents in the following format only:

• each document should be submitted as a separate attachment and should be named as follows: candidate surname, candidate name – document type. For example: Jones, Jamie – CV; Jones, Jamie – cover letter.
• Please submit .pdf documents where possible for your CV, cover letter, transcripts and certificates. Do not submit photos of certificates.
• Do not combine documents into one pdf. You may zip separate documents into a zip file to send via email if required.
• When emailing your application, please use the email subject header: FMS PhD Application 2026

Applications not meeting these criteria may be rejected.

Informal enquiries may be made to the lead supervisor of the project you are interested in.

The deadline for all applications is 12 noon BST (UK time) on Wednesday 20th May 2026.