PhD-Metabolic Network Approaches for Modelling the Human Microbiome
PhD @University of Liverpool posted 3 days agoJob Description
Overview
This PhD explores how microbial communities interact and exchange metabolites to maintain health. Combining cutting-edge microbiome data with metabolic modelling, the project offers a unique opportunity to drive understanding and innovations computational biology and academic–industrial collaboration.
About this opportunity
This PhD project, in collaboration with Unilever, focuses on the fascinating world of the skin microbiome, the diverse community of microbes that live on our skin. These microbes do not live in isolation; instead, they establish complex ecological interactions where they exchange metabolites that help maintain skin health. This project aims to understand how these microbial communities function, how they support each another through metabolic exchange, and how they can be influenced to promote healthier skin.
The project will explore how microbial networks have evolved across different parts of the body, such as the scalp, face, underarm and gut and how these areas host unique microbial ecosystems, shaped by factors like nutrient availability, moisture or oil levels. By studying these environments, we can begin to understand how microbial interactions differ across the body and how they respond to external changes.
To do this, you will work with large-scale microbiome datasets, including 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metagenomic data, which provide detailed insights into the composition and function of microbial communities. Using advanced computational tools, you will build models that simulate how the microbes compete for, cooperate, and share metabolites. These models will help predict how changes in the environment, such as the introduction of a new skincare product, might stabilise or disrupt these microbial networks.
A key part of the project involves constructing metabolic and interaction network models. These models will allow the simulation of the flow of metabolites between microbes and identify key players in maintaining community stability. You will also apply techniques like flux balance analysis and perturbation simulations to explore how microbial communities respond to different conditions.
This research aims to uncover new strategies for guiding the skin microbiome towards more beneficial states. By identifying ways to support helpful microbes and limit the growth of potentially harmful ones, the findings could inform the development of next-generation personal care products.
Training and Opportunities
As a PhD student on this project, you will receive comprehensive training in a range of cutting-edge techniques. You will learn how to build and analyse microbial network models, work with genome-scale metabolic reconstructions, and integrate multi-omics data to gain a holistic view of microbial function. You will also develop skills in metagenomic analysis, data visualisation, and computational simulation.
This is an interdisciplinary project that bridges microbiology, bioinformatics, systems biology, and computational modelling. You will be working with real-world data, giving you the chance to apply your research to practical challenges in skin health and personal care. This collaboration offers the opportunity to see how academic research can directly inform product innovation and improve consumer wellbeing.
You will be supported by a team of experts in microbiome science, computational biology, and industrial research, and you will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources. This project offers a chance to deepen your expertise, contribute to impactful research, and develop skills that are highly valued in both academia and industry.
Further reading
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-09231-8 : Murphy et al Scientific Reports volume 12, Article number: 5223 (2022)
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/11/6/1484 : Murphy et al Microorganisms 2023, 11(6), 1484
How to apply
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1. Contact supervisors
Closing date for applications is the 31st August 2025 however early applications are encouraged as we will start interviews before the deadline. Email your CV, cover letter, project title and reference number to Alistair Darby: acdarby@liverpool.ac.uk
Supervisors:
Prof Alistair Darby acdarby@liverpool.ac.uk https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/people/alistair-darby Dr Mirela Domijan Mirela.Domijan@liverpool.ac.uk https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/people/mirela-domijan Dr Andrew Cawley andrew.cawley@unilever.com Dr Joanne Hunt joanne.hunt@unilever.com -
2. Prepare your application documents
You may need the following documents to complete your online application:
- A research proposal (this should cover the research you’d like to undertake)
- University transcripts and degree certificates to date
- Passport details (international applicants only)
- English language certificates (international applicants only)
- A personal statement
- A curriculum vitae (CV)
- Contact details for two proposed supervisors
- Names and contact details of two referees.
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3. Apply
Finally, register and apply online. You’ll receive an email acknowledgment once you’ve submitted your application. We’ll be in touch with further details about what happens next.
Funding your PhD
This is a fully funded PhD following the UKRI stipend with tuition fees paid.
In addition Unilever provide a contribution of £4,400 per annum on top of the UKRI stipend
