"PhD Studentship: A matter of gut instinct: from mucus to microbiome"

Placed On: 6th March 2026
Closes: 8th April 2026
Reference: LANGRIDGE_Q26MMBiCASE

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

Entry requirements
At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1. English Language requirement (MED/SCI equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category).

Mode of study
Full-time

Start date
1 October 2026

Additional Funding Information
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 £2,500 pa and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000 pa for each year of the studentship.