Empowering green seaweeds as beneficial health products (TODD_Q27CASE) in Norwich

Primary Supervisor - Professor Jonathan Todd

Introduction:

Demand for natural weight loss remedies is exceptionally high. Central Pharma Biotechnica (Biotechnica) mass process brown seaweeds to produce plant biostimulants and potential weight loss products, but ignore green Ulva seaweeds that are richer in health-promoting sulfur compounds and polysaccharides, e.g. ulvans, and offer routes to renewable platform chemical production. Little is known of the active metabolites in Ulva or their influence on our gut microbiome and health. With CASE partner Biotechnica, this PhD will: i. profile Ulva fibre active metabolites; ii. investigate their impacts on gut microbiota and health; and iii. characterise key gut microbes metabolising Ulva fibre and the mechanisms involved. Our team provides multidisciplinary training in an award-winning environment to deliver fundamental insights and support seaweed industry innovation, including an industrial placement at Biotechnica.

Methodology:

You will receive training in advanced metabolomics, including nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, to profile Ulva active metabolites and identify those with beneficial health links. Using QIB's state-of-the-art colon models, multiomics and bioinformatics, you will explore how these molecules are processed in the gut and their effects on the microbiome. Cell and organoid biology will be used to study how active Ulva compounds impact host gene expression, e.g. GLP-1 and gut barrier function. Molecular microbiology and functional genomics will be applied to model gut microbes metabolising Ulva fibres, providing mechanistic understanding of these biotransformations. Throughout, you will engage with industry to explore commercialisation pathways for the IP you develop.

Training:

You will be based at QIB, University of East Anglia and Biotechnica, receiving training in molecular biology, gut microbiology, cell biology, analytical chemistry, industrial engagement, scientific writing and IP protection. You will present at conferences and publish findings.

Person Specification:

We seek a motivated, proactive and independent student eager to master a broad range of techniques. Experience in relevant areas is desirable.

The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP) is offering fully funded studentships for October 2027 entry. The programme offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP CASE students undertake a three to 18-month placement with the non-academic partner during their study. The placement offers experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team.

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th February 2027.

Our partners value diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background.

To maximise accessibility and attract students from underrepresented groups to our programme we have introduced bespoke templates for applicant Personal and Research statements which will enable every applicant to fully represent themselves through providing suitable examples and evidence. These forms are on the NRPDTP website and must be used for these sections of the application form.

Entry requirements

At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1. English Language requirement (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category).

Mode of study

Full-time

Start date

1 October 2027

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