About this role
Primary supervisor - Dr Matthew Pontifex
Increasing evidence suggests that declining oestrogen levels influence gut microbial composition, intestinal barrier integrity, and immune regulation, positioning the gut microbiome as a potential driver of menopause-related symptoms and longer-term risks for metabolic and age-related disease (e.g. dementia). Despite the growing recognition of the bidirectional relationship between the gut microbiota and menopause, the current evidence base is sparse and inconsistent. Many studies to date have compared gut microbial profiles of menopausal women with those of younger, non-menopausal women (Zhao et al., 2019; Santos-Marcos et al., 2018). While informative, such comparisons are limited in their ability to disentangle the altered hormonal profile from chronological aging. Furthermore, variability in study design, population characteristics and dietary exposures has yielded conflicting findings, hindering the development of a coherent and mechanistic understanding.
This PhD project will address these critical gaps through an ambitious translational research programme combining human studies with cutting-edge laboratory science. The student will design and lead a longitudinal human study, gaining hands-on experience in clinical research, participant engagement, and advanced statistical analysis. They will then investigate how additional factors, including diet, shape the menopausal microbiome using innovative experimental models, supported by structured training in preclinical models, batch fermentation, human colon models, LC–MS–based metabolomics, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) data analysis.
Through this interdisciplinary approach, the successful candidate will develop a highly sought-after skill set spanning clinical trials, microbiome science, molecular biology, and bioinformatics. The project will be based at the Biomedical Research Centre at the University of East Anglia, in close collaboration with the Quadram Institute and Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. This partnership provides access to world-class facilities and expertise within a dynamic, highly collaborative research environment. The student will become part of an internationally recognised research community, build strong interdisciplinary networks across academia and clinical practice, and develop the advanced, career-enhancing expertise needed to thrive in translational biomedical research.
Entry requirements
The minimum entry requirement is 2:1 in Biological sciences.
Mode of study
Full-time
Start date
1 October 2026
Additional Funding Information
This project is fully funded for 3 years. Funding includes tuition fees, an annual tax-free maintenance allowance and a research training support budget.