Uncovering bacterial metabolites that can attenuate vitamin B12 deficiency (AKAY_U25MMB)

Primary Supervisor – Dr Alper Akay

Secondary Supervisor & Organisation – Gwen Le Gall, University of East Anglia

Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is an essential micronutrient synthesised exclusively by bacteria and archaea. This unique biosynthetic pathway has significant implications for human nutrition and health. The primary source of vitamin B12 for humans is through dietary intake, predominantly from animal products such as meat, fish, dairy, and eggs. This reliance on animal-derived foods poses a challenge for individuals adhering to plant-based diets. Consequently, B12 deficiency is a growing global problem due to changing dietary habits and ageing populations. 

This PhD project aims to identify novel metabolites and metabolic pathways in bacteria that are required for the development of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. C. elegans is an important model system to study the molecular and biological function of vitamin B12. In the wild, C. elegans acquire vitamin B12 by consuming bacteria that can synthesise vitamin B12. The project will aim to analyse the metabolic landscape of bacteria to understand how they help animals grow. 

We offer a multidisciplinary and supportive environment. You will have a wide range of support to learn different techniques and will interact with national and international laboratories working on RNA modifications. You will attend conferences, seminars and our annual laboratory retreat. You will be given internal and external mentorship and career development support. Our new RNA (epi)genetics laboratory is funded by a prestigious UK Research and Innovation funding and provides generous resources and instruments. This project is particularly suitable for students interested in microbiology and animal development.

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: http://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).