PhD Studentship: The journey of plant cells through the human gut

Applications Close: 26 November 2018

Contract Length: 4 years

We are looking for a talented and motivated PhD candidate with a background in biochemistry, microbiology or related subject and a keen interest in nutrition and health to investigate the mechanisms behind the health effects of Type 1 Resistant Starch.

Despite various interventions, obesity and type 2 diabetes is still increasing in the UK, and healthier staple foods are urgently needed. Starch accounts for 30-70% of daily energy (‘calorie’) intake and is therefore an important target nutrient. Resistant Starch Type 1 (RS1) is a form of starch that is entrapped within plant cells and other food structures and hence escapes digestion in the small intestine. RS1 exists naturally in pulses and other plant-based foods and is of interest because it has a low glycaemic impact and is fermented by the colonic microbiota, however there is limited understanding of its digestion and health effects.

In this project you will employ the latest in vitro digestion models to investigate the digestive fate of plant cell structures containing RS1 as they pass through digestive conditions of the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract. These models enable the digestion and microbial breakdown of RS1 to be studied and provide new insights into how RS1 fractions may promote colonic and systemic health.

This exciting, multidisciplinary PhD project is based in the research labs of Dr Edwards and Prof Narbad at Quadram Institute Bioscience on the Norwich Research Park, which provides a stimulating environment for research on food, health and the microbiome. It provides excellent opportunities to develop laboratory skills in a range of physical and biochemical techniques, microbiology, and bioinformatics. Depending on the candidate’s skills and interests, there is also scope for dietary intervention studies with human participants, and/or for pursuing therapeutic applications.

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the Norwich Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NRPDTP). Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed as part of the studentship competition. Candidates will be interviewed on either the 8th, 9th or 10th January 2019.

The NRP DTP offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP students undertake a three-month professional internship (PIPS) during their study. The internship offers exciting and invaluable work experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team. Students with, or expecting to attain, at least an upper second-class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply.

Ref: (EDWARDSQ19DTP1)

For further information and to apply, please visit  http://www.biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk or contact Dr Cat Edwards

Funding Notes

For funding eligibility guidance, please visit: http://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk/how-to-apply/funding-and-eligibility. Full Studentships cover a stipend (UKRI rate: £14,777pa – 2018/9), research costs and tuition fees at UK/EU rate and are available to UK and EU students who meet the UK residency requirements.
Students from EU countries who do not meet the UK residency requirements may be eligible for a fees-only award. Students in receipt of a fees-only award will be eligible for a maintenance stipend awarded by the NRPDTP Bioscience Doctoral Scholarships. To be eligible students must meet the EU residency requirements.

 

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