At a Glance
- Tasks: Explore the gut microbiome's role in Parkinson’s disease across diverse African populations.
- Company: Newcastle University, a leader in medical research and global health.
- Benefits: Annual stipend of £21,805 and full tuition coverage at Home rate.
- Other info: Interdisciplinary training with opportunities for international experience.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global health while advancing your research skills.
- Qualifications: 2:1 honours degree in a relevant subject; Masters preferred.
The predicted salary is between 21805 - 21805 £ per year.
Award Summary: Funding will cover an annual stipend aligned to the UKRI rate (£21,805 for 2026/27) and 100% of tuition fees at the Home (UK) rate.
Overview: Interested in how the gut microbiome contributes to Parkinson’s disease across diverse global populations? This PhD project will explore how African diet, environment, and socioeconomic context shape Parkinson’s disease–associated gut microbiome profiles and their effects on gut biology. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is increasing rapidly across Africa, yet most microbiome research has focused on Western populations. This PhD addresses this critical gap using one of the largest PD microbiome datasets assembled to date. You will work with a landmark pan‑African cohort of up to 2,000 adults (1,000 PD cases and 1,000 matched controls) from multiple regions, with rich clinical, dietary, environmental, and socioeconomic data. Using metagenomics and untargeted metabolomics, you will identify microbial species, pathways, and metabolites associated with PD, and determine how these vary by context.
To move beyond association, you will test mechanism using state‑of‑the‑art intestinal organoid–microbiome co‑culture models to measure the effects of bacteria on epithelial barrier integrity, inflammation, and host transcriptional responses. The project offers interdisciplinary training in bioinformatics, advanced statistics and machine learning, anaerobic microbiology, organoid culture, and clinical interpretation of Parkinson’s disease. There may be opportunities to visit African partner sites and gain experience in global health research. This PhD is ideal for applicants interested in microbiome science, neurodegeneration, and equitable global health research.
- Number of awards: 1
- Start date: Flexible for September 2026, January 2027, or April 2027
- Award duration: The funding covers a four-year PhD
- Sponsor: Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University
- Supervisors: Professor Christopher Stewart, Translational and Clinical Research Institute; Professor Richard Walker, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust; Dr Tash Fothergill‑Misbah, Population Health Sciences Institute
Eligibility Criteria: A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in a relevant subject. A Masters with strong research training element would be highly advantageous. If your first language is not English you need an overall IELTS score of 6.5 (at least 5.5 in all sub-skills) or equivalent language qualification. International applicants may require an ATAS clearance certificate prior to obtaining their visa and to study on this programme.
PhD Studentship in Microbiome and Parkinson’s Disease: A pan‑African Multi‑omic and Organoid In[...] in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Newcastle University
Newcastle University offers an exceptional environment for PhD candidates, providing a unique opportunity to engage in groundbreaking research on the gut microbiome and Parkinson’s disease across diverse African populations. With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary training, access to extensive datasets, and potential global health research experiences, the university fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises personal and professional growth. Additionally, the funding package ensures financial support throughout your studies, making it an attractive choice for those seeking meaningful contributions to global health.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Studentship in Microbiome and Parkinson’s Disease: A pan‑African Multi‑omic and Organoid In[...] in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current PhD students or faculty members in microbiome research. They can provide insider info about the application process and might even give you a heads-up on opportunities before they’re advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the latest research on microbiomes and Parkinson’s disease. Show us that you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the field. Bring your own ideas to the table!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a strong online presence. Update your LinkedIn profile with relevant projects and skills. Engage with posts related to microbiome research to get noticed by potential supervisors.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace PhD Studentship in Microbiome and Parkinson’s Disease: A pan‑African Multi‑omic and Organoid In[...] in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your background and interests align with the PhD project. We want to see your passion for microbiome science and neurodegeneration shine through!
Showcase Relevant Experience:Don’t forget to include any relevant research experience or skills you have, especially in bioinformatics or microbiology. This is your chance to show us why you're the perfect fit for this interdisciplinary project.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary, and make sure your enthusiasm comes across!
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Newcastle University
✨Know Your Microbiome
Dive deep into the gut microbiome and its connection to Parkinson’s disease. Familiarise yourself with recent studies, especially those focusing on diverse populations, as this will show your genuine interest and understanding of the project.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Make sure to showcase any relevant research experience, particularly in microbiology, bioinformatics, or clinical studies. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on and how they relate to the PhD focus.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask your interviewers about the project, the team, and potential challenges. This demonstrates your enthusiasm and critical thinking skills, which are crucial for a research role.
✨Showcase Interdisciplinary Skills
Emphasise your ability to work across different fields, such as statistics, machine learning, and clinical interpretation. Highlight any interdisciplinary training you’ve had, as this aligns perfectly with the project’s requirements.
