Current students on the Microbes, Microbiomes and Bioinformatics PhD programme during their annual retreat.

The Microbes, Microbiomes and Bioinformatics Doctoral Training Programme is a Medical Research Council (MRC)-funded microbiology PhD programme hosted by the University of East Anglia (UEA).

You can apply for a fully funded PhD studentship lasting four years at any of the programme institutes, including us at the Quadram Institute, the Earlham Institute, the John Innes Centre and UEA.

We will equip you with the tools to become scientists of the future.

Here are eight reasons why you should join the Microbes, Microbiomes and Bioinformatics PhD programme with the Quadram:

1. Carry out impactful microbiology research

As a PhD student you’ll join a lab group and contribute to their exciting research aims. Your project will cover one or more key themes on microbes, microbiomes, antimicrobial resistance and drug discovery, and One Health.

Your work will have impact beyond the lab. You could study microbes of great public health concern, like Shiga toxin-producing E. coli or Salmonella Typhi, helping inform public health surveillance.

Or you could study the impact of bacteriophages in human ageing, exploring phage therapy as a potential clinical treatment.

You could also collaborate with industry and wider partners across the world, finding solutions to global problems.

2. Benefit from world-class facilities and training

To carry out your microbiology research, you’ll receive specialised training in microbial bioinformatics so that you are comfortable running sophisticated computer analyses alongside lab work.

Our labs have natural lighting and are well-equipped, especially for microbial sequencing. We have a dedicated Sequencing support team who were key in national and international COVID-19 sequencing efforts.

You’ll work in our state-of-the-art building which brings together researchers, academics and NHS clinicians to address global challenges in human health, food and disease.

3. Live in one of the UK’s best cities

We’re located in Norwich, named one the best places to live in the UK in 2025 by The Times for its literary, arts and food scene.

Norwich is a city with bustling café culture, restaurants and nightlife – perfect for PhD student life.

Norwich also has all the benefits of life in a university city, with great second-hand stores and an exciting art scene. That’s why it’s one of the best British university cities.

You can read more about living in Norwich in our guide.

4. Experience microbiology research in the field

The Microbes, Microbiomes and Bioinformatics PhD programme includes a microbiology trip in the field. Previously, students went abroad to The Gambia in West Africa, but trips may vary to ensure you get the best experience.

They networked, shared research projects and experienced the reality of microbiology research in a different cultural context at the MRC Unit The Gambia. The centre delivers research on disease control and elimination, nutrition and planetary health and vaccines and immunity.

This is a fantastic way to contribute to microbiology and bioinformatics research where it’s needed in the field.

5. Join a vibrant student community

Joining the PhD programme means you’ll become part of a diverse student community.

The Quadram Student Forum, the committee of students which work to promote and improve the student experience at the Quadram, organise many events like formals, trips away to the seaside and pottery painting evenings.

They’re here to support you throughout your PhD journey and help you build a support network. They recently shared their advice on making the most of a PhD.

As a student at the University of East Anglia, you can also make the most of the wider student community, university societies and services available to you.

6. Work in one of the world’s largest concentrations of microbiologists on a single site

The Quadram Institute is part of an impressive research community in Norwich.

Research institutes like the Earlham Institute and John Innes Centre, alongside The Sainsbury Laboratory and Norwich and Norfolk University Hospital, make up part of the Norwich Research Park.

As a research park, we are home to many microbiologists – all in one place!

You’ll be able to tap into this microbial expertise in the Microbes, Microbiomes and Bioinformatics PhD programme, learning from experts in their fields.

7. Gain employability through a professional internship

All students on the programme must complete a Professional Internship for PhD Students (PIPS).

Gaining skills outside of your PhD project, you can experience policy, communications and media, industry, teaching and much more outside of academia.

Current students have worked at the UK Health Security Agency, Isomerase – a biological engineering company, the Centre for Microbial Interactions and Podoactiva – a company specialising in foot health products.

8. Learn from front-line NHS and government agency partners

The Microbes, Microbiomes and Bioinformatics PhD programme has two front-line government agency partners, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). We also work closely with the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

These partners provide expertise in the healthcare sector and within a policy setting. Training and workshops throughout the programme give you the opportunity to network and gain experience with them.

Currently, a student on the programme works with UKHSA to monitor cases of Salmonella Typhi in the UK.

• Applications onto the Microbes, Microbiomes and Bioinformatics PhD DTP for entry in 2026 are now open.