The social microbiome and Alzhiemer’s Disease (CHAPMAN_U25MMB)

Project Supervisor – Prof Tracey Chapman

Secondary Supervisor & Organisation – Dr Saber Sami, University of East Anglia

Ever-increasing numbers of older people across the world are spending their later years in poor health. Therefore, novel interventions to preserve the health of the older are urgently needed. Two key features of ageing, exacerbated in individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), are loss of cognitive function and of social connectedness. Both features are strongly associated with dysbiosis of the gut microbiome. The overarching aim of this project is to determine the causative role of the microbiome in healthy ageing and in AD progression, using an experimental model of AD in fruitflies and human UKBIOBANK data.

You will join us to conduct experiments in a model of AD in fruitlfies and determine for the first time the causative role of the microbiome in mediating the effects of the social environment on healthy ageing and cognitive function. You will manipulate social environments in both sexes, and test for the resulting effects on behaviour through to neural pathways. Biomarkers identified will then be used to cross reference to human databases to test for translational relevance in humans.

You will train within a leading interdisciplinary team across the UEA, QIB and University of Leeds, and gain highly-in-demand skills in experimental molecular genetics, ‘omics and metagenomics, as well as a fascinating insight into translational research. You will be embedded within leading research teams with strong training and support networks, that are committed to removing barriers to participation in research.

The Microbes, Microbiomes and Bioinformatics (MMB) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) is open to UK and international candidates with relevant undergraduate degrees for entry in October 2025 and offers the opportunity to undertake a fully-funded 4-year PhD research project supported by the UKRI Medical Research Council in microbiology and microbial bioinformatics.

Our unique and comprehensive training programme empowers students to feel comfortable running sophisticated computer analyses alongside laboratory work and emphasises problem-based learning in microbial bioinformatics, professional development and research skills. All MMB DTP students undertake a Professional Placement. 

Interviews for shortlisted candidates will take place on Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21 May 2025.

The MMB DTP is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. Students are selected without regard to age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, ethnicity, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation or social background. We value curiosity, independence of thought, plus an aptitude for research that combines laboratory work and bioinformatics.

For information on eligibility and how to apply: www.uea.ac.uk/phd/mmbdtp

Start date

1 October 2025

Mode of study

Full-time

Entry requirements

At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1 or UK equivalence Master’s degree. English Language requirement (Faculties of Science / Medicine and Health Sciences equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category).