The human body plays host to large complex microbial communities including those of the skin, the oral and vaginal mucosae and, most prominently, the gut that are essential for maintaining life-long health. Large population-wide cohort studies have identified health, lifestyle (environment, diet, medication) and behaviour variables as major contributors to human microbiome variation. However, the significance of these covariates is questioned by the very nature and design of the studies and in particular, the inability to account for, and to control, different living conditions and environments and fluctuating lifestyles, diets, levels of physical and mental activity and stress etc. In addition, they are also constrained and limited by a single sample and time point of analysis to demonstrate changes in gut microbe populations.

This project aims to address these major constraints of human cohort microbiome studies. We have designed a cohort study to investigate the impact of lifestyle and behaviour on the human gut microbiota in young adults taking advantage of the structured and disciplined environment and lifestyle, in addition to a programme of defined physical and mental challenges that is central to officer cadet training, at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Participants will provide blood and stool samples at specific time-points throughout their 44-week training programme intervals targeting specific physical and mental challenges. Standardised assessments of physical, cognitive and psychological performance will be part of the study. The samples and data obtained will be used to determine (1) how changes in the human gut microbiota might influence and/or be linked to adopting a rigid and disciplined lifestyle, and (2) how the human gut microbiota changes in response to physical and/or mental challenges and identify any correlates of physical and cognitive performance.

This collaborative project between the Quadram Institute (QI), the Defence Science Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and the Army provides an opportunity to receive training in multiple disciplines including gut microbiology, cellular and molecular immunology, genomics and bioinformatics, and human physiology and psychology research methods. This exciting project provides an opportunity to join a vibrant community of scientists and PhD students at the QI, Dstl and the Army to undertake cutting edge research into human performance and the microbiome. Students must be willing to work on an interdisciplinary project which will involve learning and applying research methods outside of their immediate qualification / discipline. Due to the project’s close ties with the UK defence community, this 3.5 year studentship is available to UK nationals only and security clearance will be required.

For further information and to apply, please visit our website: https://quadram.ac.uk/about/student-opportunities/how-to-apply/