About the Project
The University of Bath is inviting applications for the following funded PhD project commencing in September 2025.
Overview of the research
Low carbohydrate ketogenic diets are increasingly popular amongst the general public and as part of medical therapies for a range of different conditions. Our recent research shows that a low carbohydrate ketogenic diet leads to profound changes to the gut microbiome, including a decreased abundance of specific genera such as bifidobacteria (PMID: 39106867). The loss of such microorganisms will have potentially negative effects on host metabolism.
This University-funded studentship is linked to a new BBSRC project grant that will build on our initial observations to examine the impact of a combined pro/prebiotic (synbiotic) on the metabolic responses to a low carbohydrate ketogenic diet in humans. The research will involve a 12-week randomised controlled trial in men and women (Synbiotic versus Placebo). In addition to the measurement of systemic biomarkers and adipose tissue responses to the intervention, we will also examine the dynamic response to feeding, including metabolic handling of the prebiotic using stable isotope approaches. We will complement in vivo studies with in vitro studies in cell culture models. This project is an excellent opportunity to develop skills in the conduct of controlled trials, in vivo measurements, and state of the art biochemical and omics methodologies (e.g., metagenomics, lipidomics, mass spectrometry, NMR) and bioinformatic analysis.
This collaborative project will be based at the University of Bath in the Centre of Nutriton, Exercise and Metabolism (CNEM)( https://www.bath.ac.uk/research-centres/centre-for-nutrition-exercise-and-metabolism/ ). CNEM is a thriving research centre comprising ~40 staff and students with shared interests and complementary expertise to support academic development.
The student will work with a Bath-based postdoctoral researcher and local academic staff. In addition, subject to formal agreement, the student will get the opportunity to work with academic collaborators and another postdoctoral researcher based at Leeds, and scientists from the industrial partner. As part of that agreement, we envisage that the student will visit the Industrial partner’s laboratories in Europe to undertake some analysis.
We are looking for a student with a relevant background (e.g., biology, physiology, nutrition, biochemistry, biomedical science) who is interested in nutritional interventions in humans.
Preferred Start date - 29 September 2025
PLEASE BE AWARE: Applications for this project may close earlier than the advertised deadline if a suitable candidate is found. We therefore recommend that you contact the lead supervisor prior to applying and submit your formal application as early as possible.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We value a diverse research environment and aim to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated and respected. We welcome and encourage applications from under-represented groups.
If you have circumstances that you feel we should be aware of that have affected your educational attainment, then please feel free to tell us about it in your application form. The best way to do this is a short paragraph at the end of your personal statement.
巴斯大学 PhD Position in The Impact of Synbiotics on the Metabolic Responses to a Low Carbohydrate Ketogenic Diet项目有没有奖学金,是不是全奖Phd招生,下面我们一起看一下【大学名称】Phd的奖学金资助情况
项目资助情况
Candidates may be considered for a University of Bath studentship tenable for 3 years. Funding covers tuition fees, a stipend (£19,237 p/a in 2024/5) and access to a £1,000 training support budget.
Studentships are open to both Home and International students; however, International applicants should note that funding does NOT cover the cost of moving to the UK, obtaining a student visa, View Website( https://www.gov.uk/visa-fees ), or payment of the UK healthcare surcharge, View Website( https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application ).
巴斯大学Phd申请条件和要求都有哪些?PhD Position in The Impact of Synbiotics on the Metabolic Responses to a Low Carbohydrate Ketogenic Diet项目是不是全奖?有没有奖学金?下面我们一起看一下巴斯大学申请Phd直招需要具备哪些条件和要求,以及托福、雅思语言成绩要到多少才能申请。
申请要求
Applicants for a studentship must have obtained, or be about to obtain, as a minimum, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an area appropriate to the requirements of the project. A master’s level qualification would also be advantageous.
Applicants whose first language is not English will also be required to have met the English language entry requirements of the University of Bath( https://www.bath.ac.uk/corporate-information/postgraduate-research-degrees-english-language-requirements-for-international-students/ ).