Applications are invited for a 4-year PhD studentship based at the Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge and the new AstraZeneca Discovery Centre in Cambridge conducting research into how the microbiome contributes to chronic pain. The project will be jointly supervised by Dr David Bulmer (Cambridge) and Dr Fraser Welsh (AstraZeneca) and provides the student with an opportunity to work across both sites, in addition to the broader multidisciplinary team of clinicians and academics investigating the microbiome and pain at the University and Medical School.
We have recently identified a pathogenic microbial signature which markedly deviates from household controls in people with chronic abdominal pain that can be corrected by dietary intervention. Metagenomic and metabolomic analysis supports a causative role for bacterial metabolites, which we will seek to evaluate in this studentship using functional assays of pain signalling, neuroepithelial and immune cell function, in conventional, and germ-free animals to recapitulate the dysbiotic microbial phenotype.
This PhD builds on a body of translational work from the Bulmer lab (Bautzova et al (2018) Sci Signal. 11(561); Higham et al (2024) Pain 165 (7): 1592-1604) and will utilise ex-vivo electrophysiological studies and Ca2+ imaging from mouse and human nociceptors.
Informal enquires about the research project can be sent to Dr David Bulmer (dcb53@cam.ac.uk).
Applicants must have or expect to obtain at least an upper 2nd class honours science degree (or equivalent), be highly motivated, capable of developing their own ideas, and keen to interact effectively with other lab members.
This position is open to UK citizens or overseas students who meet the UK residency requirements (home fees) or are able to augment the funds to cover the extra costs associated with international student fees through scholarships or funding schemes. Students will not be allowed to supplement fees via self funding.
The studentship comes with a stipend of £21,500 per annum and covers the University
Composition Fee at the home student rate with effect from 1 October 2025.
Application Process
All applications will need to be made through the University Application Portal: https://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/blphpdphc/apply
Please note that the course code for PhD applications to Pharmacology is BLPH22. Whilst making your online application please make clear that you are applying for; proposed supervisor Dr David Bulmer and title "How does the microbiota contribute to chronic pain?"
Your online application will need to include: -Two academic references - Transcript - CV/resume - Evidence of competence in English If required - you can check using our tool - Statement of interest (no more than 300 words)
Informal enquires about application process can be sent to postgrad@phar.cam.ac.uk .
The deadline for submission is 4th November 2024, with interviews likely to take place from the 11th November.
Please quote reference PL43468 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.