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The PhD program at the School of Science (SCIENCE) is designed to provide a comprehensive and rigorous education in scientific research across a wide range of fields. It emphasizes the development of both technical and transferable skills to ensure that graduates are prepared to excel in their academic or professional careers. Here’s an overview of the key components of the program:

1. Independent Research Project

PhD candidates undertake a self-directed research project, contributing to advancing knowledge in their chosen scientific area. This project forms the backbone of the PhD journey, allowing candidates to develop expertise in their field while fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

2. International Research Experience

The program encourages PhD students to gain experience beyond their home institution. This could involve stays at other research institutions, both domestically and internationally, to broaden the student’s perspective, enhance collaboration, and expose them to different research methodologies and environments.

3. PhD-Level Courses

In addition to the research component, students complete PhD-level coursework, ensuring a solid theoretical foundation and mastery of advanced techniques relevant to their field of study. These courses complement the research experience and contribute to a broader understanding of scientific disciplines.

4. Teaching and Knowledge Dissemination

As part of their training, students are also expected to engage in teaching and other forms of knowledge dissemination. This not only helps to build communication and presentation skills but also contributes to the academic community. Teaching can include leading seminars, tutorials, or assisting in laboratory classes.

5. Thesis Writing and Defense

The culmination of the PhD program is the writing and defense of a PhD thesis, where candidates present the results of their research in a formal document. The defense involves presenting and justifying their findings to a panel of experts, demonstrating the significance and contribution of their work to the field.

Program Goals:

  • Advanced Research Skills: Equip students with the technical expertise to carry out independent and innovative research.
  • Complementary Competencies: Provide additional skills, including teaching, communication, and project management, to prepare students for diverse careers.
  • Global Perspective: Exposure to international research practices and collaborative opportunities to encourage global networking and learning.
  • Scientific Excellence: Ensure that graduates contribute to the highest level of scientific discovery and progress.
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Application Deadline: 🗓 28 March 2025, 23:59 GMT +1

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In: Europe, Fellowships, Scholarship

This PhD project offers an exciting opportunity to explore the intersection of nutrition, immunity, and microbiology. By investigating how polyphenols, a class of bioactive dietary compounds, interact with the gut microbiota, this research seeks to shed light on their potential role in modulating mucosal immune function.

The project will focus on understanding the mechanisms through which polyphenols are metabolized by gut bacteria to produce bioactive metabolites that may have beneficial effects on the immune system. Using state-of-the-art tools like molecular microbiology, transcriptomics, and gene editing, the student will investigate the metabolic pathways involved in polyphenol degradation. The research will extend into practical applications by assessing whether a synbiotic approach—combining polyphenols and specific bacteria—can enhance mucosal immunity in models of bacterial and parasitic infections.

As part of an interdisciplinary collaboration, the PhD student will work alongside the Phage and Quorum Sensing group, under the guidance of Associate Professor Nina Molin Høyland-Kroghsbo. The project will also offer international exposure through a stay at the University of California, Davis, allowing the student to gain further insights into cutting-edge research in this field.

Beyond research, the student will have opportunities to contribute to teaching, which will enrich their academic experience.

This project is a unique opportunity for anyone passionate about molecular immunology, microbiome research, and the potential of dietary components in promoting health. Full training will be provided to equip the student with the necessary skills to succeed in this multi-faceted research environment.

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Application deadline: 26-01-2025