About the Project
The accessory secretion (aSec) system is a protein export pathway that is uniquely present in Gram-positive bacteria and is dedicated to the secretion of large, glycosylated cell wall-anchored adhesins called serine-rich repeat proteins (SRRPs). We previously identified aSec pathways and strain-specific glycosylation of SRRPs in Limosilactobacillus reuteri, a health-promoting gut commensal bacteria showing high host specialisation. This PhD studentship provides an exciting opportunity for the…
successful candidate to address fundamental questions on the role of protein glycosylation in bacteria adaptation in the gut.
In this PhD project, the student will use in vitro and in vivo approaches including organ-on-chip technology and mouse models to investigate the role of SRRP glycosylation in biofilm formation and colonisation.
The PhD student will join a large and dynamic multidisciplinary team at the Quadram Institute Bioscience and receive mentoring and training in relevant experimental models and state-of-the art analytical tools. Through this PhD studentship, the student will acquire expertise in molecular microbiology, glycobiology, biochemistry, imaging, bioinformatics, advanced microbe-host models (gut organoids) and in vivo skills.
The student will benefit from the established network of international collaborations of the host Labs in this research area. Training will embrace research practice and theory, research integrity, management, communication (to scientific and lay audiences) and technical writing, intellectual property, teamwork. The student will present his/her work at internal seminars and to relevant Microbiology and Glycobiology international meetings, and be encouraged to participate into outreach activities and innovative competitions.
The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP) is offering fully funded studentships for October 2027 entry. The programme offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP students undertake a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS) during their study. The placement offers exciting and invaluable work experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team.
This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th February 2027.
Visit our website for further information on eligibility and how to apply: Doctoral Training Partnership | PhD opportunities for bioscience graduates
Our partners value diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background.
To maximise accessibility and attract students from underrepresented groups to our programme we have introduced bespoke templates for applicant Personal and Research statements which will enable every applicant to fully represent themselves through providing suitable examples and evidence. These forms are on the NRPDTP website and must be used for these sections of the application form.
Entry requirements
At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1. English Language requirement (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category).
Mode of study
Full-time
Start date
1 October 2027
Funding Notes
This project is awarded with a 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD DTP studentship. The studentship includes payment of tuition fees (directly to the University), a stipend to cover living expenses (2026/27 stipend rate: £21,805, and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000pa for each year of the studentship.
References
Latousakis D, MacKenzie DA, Telatin A, Juge N. Serine-rich repeat proteins from gut microbes. Gut Microbes 2020; 11(1):102-117. doi: 10.1080/19490976.2019.1602428.
Latousakis D, Nepravishta R, Rejzek M, Wegmann U, Le Gall G, Kavanaugh D, Colquhoun IJ, Frese S, MacKenzie DA, Walter J, Angulo J, Field RA, Juge N. Serine-rich repeat protein adhesins from Lactobacillus reuteri display strain specific glycosylation profiles. Glycobiology 2019; 29(1):45-58. doi: 10.1093/glycob/cwy100.
Frese SA, Mackenzie DA, Peterson DA, Schmaltz R, Fangman T, Zhou Y, Zhang C, Benson AK, Cody LA, Mulholland F, Juge N, Walter J. Molecular characterization of host-specific biofilm formation in a vertebrate gut symbiont. PLoS Genet. 2013; 9(12):e1004057. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1004057.
Griffiths R, Pfalzgraf H, Latousakis D, Ashworth G, Dong C, Hemmings A, Juge N. A structural basis for the strain-dependent UDP-sugar specificity of glycosyltransferase C from the Limosilactobacillus reuteri accessory secretion system. Acta Crystallogr D Struct Biol. 2025; 81(Pt 12):708-717. doi: 10.1107/S2059798325008782.
Holden ER, Sims L, Orchard K, Trampari E, Charles IG, Webber MA. Disruption of efflux activity reduces biofilm formation through multiple pathways. Microbiology 2026; 172(6). doi: 10.1099/mic.0.001734.