Bioinformatic & Experimental Discovery of Novel Bifidobacteria for Breast Cancer Therapy (ROBINSON_Q25MMB)

Breast cancer remains a critical health challenge worldwide, but beneficial gut microbes, especially certain Bifidobacterium strains, have shown promise in suppressing tumour growth by bolstering the immune response. This PhD project aims to tap into a unique library of Bifidobacterium isolates to uncover new strains with potent anti-cancer properties.

Working under Dr Stephen Robinson (Quadram Institute/UEA) and Prof Lindsay Hall (University of Birmingham), you will combine large-scale bioinformatics (genome mining, pangenome analyses) with in vitro immune screening and in vivo murine tumour models. The student will gain cutting-edge skills in immunology, cancer biology, microbial genomics, and advanced data analytics. A dedicated training period in Birmingham will deepen expertise in bioinformatic pipelines and big-data analysis.

Ultimately, the goal is to identify strains or exopolysaccharides capable of limiting breast tumour growth, paving the way for novel microbiome-based therapies or adjuvants to conventional immuno- and chemotherapy approaches. This fully funded four-year PhD studentship offers a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment, with ample opportunities for collaboration, publication, and career development. Join us to advance the frontier of microbiome research and help shape the future of breast cancer treatment.

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