PhD Studentship

Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis) are chronic immune mediated diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Bile acids are key molecules produced by the liver that have bi-directional interactions with the gut microbiota. Previous work has identified bile acid metabolism by the gut microbiota as being altered in inflammatory bowel disease. The project aims to identify and isolate keystone bacteria involved in bile acid metabolism in the human large intestine in healthy volunteers and people with inflammatory bowel disease and test the outputs in pre-clinical models of intestinal inflammation. The project will utilise a range of techniques, including metagenomics, metabolomics and anaerobic isolation protocols.

Key duties and responsibilities

• The PhD candidate will conduct a specified programme of research under the supervision of Professor Aonghus Lavelle
• The successful candidate must be able to apply microbiology and molecular microbiology skills in the laboratory, particularly isolation and culture of anaerobic bacteria. Significant interdisciplinary interactions with collaborators in APC Microbiome Ireland will be required.
• Good communication, organisation, interpersonal skills and the ability to work within a project team are essential.

 Additional tasks will include:

• The dissemination of results at conferences and through scientific articles.
• Attendance at postgraduate training courses.
• Regular reporting of research data.
• Involvement in Educational and Public Engagement (EPE) activities.
• Occasional laboratory supervision of Bachelor or Master students.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in Microbiology, Microbiome Science or a similar discipline. Prior experience with anaerobic microbiology techniques is preferred.
• Enthusiasm and an awareness of Microbiology issues in society.
• Applicants whose first language is not English must show evidence of English proficiency, please check the minimum requirements at: https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/comparison/english/.

Funding Details

This full-time PhD position is funded for 4 years including a stipend of €22,000 per annum.  The studentship will cover UCC fees at the rate for EU students.

The scholarship for the PhD degree is subjected to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at UCC.

Further information

The PhD candidate will work with a team of scientists in the APC Microbiome Ireland and School of Microbiology and the Department of Medicine (College of Medicine and Health)

APC Microbiome Ireland is a trans-disciplinary research centre, with clinicians, clinician-scientists and basic scientists from diverse backgrounds working in teams, sharing ideas and resources. Although focused upon the gastrointestinal bacterial community (the microbiota), the scale and scope of the work has become one of the fastest moving areas of biology. The microbiota is not only a target for treatment and prevention of disease, it is a repository for functional food ingredients and even new drugs and is a source of novel biomarkers of disease risk. The scientific organisation of the APC consists of a matrix of ‘spokes’ or themes of intellectual pursuit which are supported by multiple horizontal or shared technology platforms.

Informal enquiries about the post should made by email to Professor Aonghus Lavelle (aonghus.lavelle@ucc.ie)