MSCA-ITN fully funded PhD position available at Quadram Institute Bioscience (Norwich, UK) within Innovative Training Network (ITN) GLYTUNES.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequently diagnosed malignancies worldwide and accounts for approximately 20% of all cancer-related deaths in developed countries. CRC has been associated with an enrichment of microbes in intestinal tissues with the most abundant species being Fusobacterium nucleatum. We recently showed that F. nucleatum interact with Siglecs (sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectins), opening a new dimension in our understanding of how F. nucleatum promotes CRC progression and in the development of therapeutic strategies targeting Siglec axis.

The project aims to unravel the nature of the Fusobacterium nucleatum ligands of Siglecs and test potential glycomimetics inhibitors of the interaction between F. nucleatum and immune cells. Training will be provided in molecular microbiology (anaerobic bacterial growth assays), cell biology (mammalian cells and gut-on-chips) and advanced bioimaging techniques (fluorescence and confocal microscopy; imaging flow cytometry), protein purification and protein-carbohydrate interactions (Octet, SPR, ITC). The ESR will gain a solid knowledge in molecular microbiology, cell biology including gut-on-chip technology, biophysical and bioimaging techniques. Training will also include transferable skills including communication (to scientific and lay audiences), intellectual property impact of the research on human health and outreach activities.

GLYTUNES is an Innovative Training Network (ITN) funded by the European Union Horizon 2020.

The GLYTUNES ITN involves leading scientists from academia and industry and offers a total of 14 doctoral research projects (PhD projects) for early-stage researchers (ESRs). The research topics range from fundamental to translational science and aim at i) unravelling the mechanisms governing sialo-glycans recognition by the immune surface receptors Siglecs, and ii) enabling the rational design and development of novel therapeutic and diagnostic strategies against immune and infectious diseases.

The MSCA-ITN offers students the opportunity to become part of a vibrant European research community. There will be opportunities for placements at academic and industrial partners of the ITN. GLYTUNES provides a training programme to enhance the future employability of ESRs.

Enrolment in Doctoral degree(s): The successful candidate will be enrolled at University of East Anglia (Norwich) and carried out research at the Quadram Institute, a new Institute on the Norwich Research Park. QI undertakes research at the forefront of the interface between food science, gut biology and health

Project-specific selection criteria: Expertise in microbiology including anaerobic bacteria, knowledge on host immune response, expertise in cell biology and bioimaging, expertise in protein purification and protein-carbohydrate interactions.

Application: Details on the application and recruitment process can be found on the dedicated GLYTUNES https://www.glytunes.eu/ Before applying all applicants should read the eligibility criteria for the MSCA-ITN PhD program on the ITN program (https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/595469 and https://www.glytunes.eu/).