Investigating the impact of the gut microbiome on the health of older people

The impact of the gut microbiome on human health has demanded increasing attention in recent years. It is associated with myriad disease states, including diabetes, dementia, cardiorespiratory conditions, and many cancers. Given the impact of long-term lifestyle on the gut microbiome, it is no surprise to see it linked with many diseases associated with older age. 

The Northern Ireland Cohort for the Longitudinal Study of Ageing (NICOLA) is a prospective cohort study set up in 2013 to explore the health needs and status of older people, the contributions that older people make to society, the biological and/or environmental factors that help us age successfully and the economic needs and status of older people. It continues to collect extensive and comprehensive metadata from participants, including measures of cognitive function, cardiovascular function, physical function, respiratory function, visual function, blood pressure, and biomarkers. In the latest wave of NICOLA, faecal sample collection for microbiome analysis has been introduced. 

The successful candidate will investigate the interrelationships between the gut microbiome and clinical measurements from these participants, in order to uncover clinically relevant connections. This work also aims to determine the correlation between the gut microbiome and prescribed medicines with a view to informing personalised medicine approaches. Which medicines are associated with significant alteration of the gut microbiome and to what extent does the gut microbiome influence the metabolism and effectiveness of prescribed medications? Project aims will be achieved through a combination of metagenomic DNA sequencing, in vitro gut simulation models, and large-scale analysis of participant data. 

The successful candidate will join a dynamic and collegial research group focused on investigating the impacts of different microbiomes on human health. They should have a keen interest in learning new skills and techniques, such as microbial bioinformatics and data analysis. All required training will be provided. 

Candidate requirements / Key skills required for the post  

Applicants should have a 1st or 2.1 honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject. Relevant subjects include Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry, Biological/Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry, Engineering, or a closely related discipline. Students who have a 2.2 honours degree and a Master’s degree may also be considered, but the School reserves the right to shortlist for interview only those applicants who have demonstrated high academic attainment to date. 

How to apply / contacts 

Postgraduate Research applicants must have applied to Queen’s, via the Direct Applications Portal. 

https://dap.qub.ac.uk/portal/user/u_login.php  

Relevant links / more information   

http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofPharmacy/Research/PostgraduatePositions/  

http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofPharmacy/Research/ 

Keywords for search filters 

Microbiome; bioinformatics; clinical; ageing; medicines; older people 

Training provided through the research project 

The successful candidate will be trained in basic microbiology, including both culture-dependent and independent approaches, and molecular biology techniques, as well as project management and data analysis training. The candidate will also be trained in microbial bioinformatics for analysis of large DNA datasets and comparison to important clinical metadata. Training received during this studentship will ensure the successful candidate possesses a comprehensive skillset, of high relevance to a career in a clinical microbiology setting, industry, or in academia. 

Expected impact activities 

Attendance at international conferences, including the opportunity for conference presentations. Publication in international, peer-reviewed journals. Important clinical collaboration opportunities and potential application of novel discoveries.