A fully funded 3-year PhD studentship in collaboration with leading probiotic company Optibac Ltd, investigating how probiotics influence the gut-brain-immune axis across key stages of the female lifespan (puberty, reproductive years, menopause). This industry-partnered project combines human intervention studies, neurophysiology, immunology, and microbiome analysis to develop evidence-based, female-specific probiotic interventions.
Important Information Table
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Determining the Efficacy of Probiotic Use Across the Female Lifespan |
| Organization/Publisher | Nottingham Trent University (NTU) in partnership with Optibac Ltd |
| Work Location | Nottingham, United Kingdom (Clifton Campus – School of Science and Technology) |
| Research Field | Sport and Exercise Science, Nutrition, Microbiology, Immunology, Women’s Health |
| Funding Info | Fully funded (match-funded by NTU and Optibac Ltd): tuition fees covered + 3-year maintenance stipend at least at UKRI national minimum rate |
| Application Deadline | Thursday 15 January 2026 (23:59 UK time) |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Researcher Profile | First Stage Researcher (R1) – pre-doctoral |
| Apply Button | Apply Online Here |
| Required Qualification | Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field (e.g., Sport Science, Nutrition, Physiology, Biology, Microbiology) |
| Required Experience | Experience in human participant recruitment and interaction is desirable but not essential |
| Salary Details | Tax-free stipend (expected ≥ £20,780 per year for 2025/26, rising annually in line with UKRI rates) + full home tuition fees covered |
What the opportunity is
The project will investigate the gut-brain-immune axis and how probiotic supplementation can modulate physiological responses during hormonally driven life stages in women. You will design and conduct a series of human intervention studies, recruiting participants from different female cohorts, analysing gut microbiome composition, immune markers, and neurophysiological outcomes. The ultimate goal is to generate mechanistic evidence that supports the development of targeted, female-focused probiotic products – bridging the gap between academic research and commercial application.
This is a collaborative studentship co-funded by NTU and industry, offering real-world impact, access to commercial laboratories, and excellent employability in both academia and the growing nutraceutical sector.
Who is eligible
- Holders of (or expected to obtain) a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline (Sport & Exercise Science, Nutrition, Biomedical Science, Physiology, Microbiology, Immunology or related).
- UK applicants are fully funded; international applicants may apply but would normally need to self-fund the difference between home and international fees (contact the supervisor for case-by-case discussion).
- Enthusiastic candidates with strong interpersonal skills for participant recruitment and interaction.
- No prior PhD required – ideal for recent graduates or Master’s holders seeking a funded route into women’s health research.
Key research areas or scope
- Female physiology across the lifespan
- Gut microbiome and probiotic mechanisms
- Neuro-endocrine-immune interactions
- Human intervention trials
- Translational research for commercial probiotic development
Benefits/Funding
- Full coverage of tuition fees (home rate)
- Tax-free maintenance stipend for 3 years (aligned with or above UKRI minimum – £20,780 for 2025/26 starters, with annual increments)
- Access to state-of-the-art laboratories and industry facilities at Optibac/Wren Laboratories
- Support for conference attendance and training through the NTU Doctoral School
- Industry mentorship and potential for placements/secondments
How to apply
Applications are submitted via the dedicated NTU portal. You will need:
- A detailed CV
- Academic transcripts
- A covering letter explaining your interest and suitability
- Contact details for two referees
Direct link: NTU Application Portal for this project
Informal enquiries are strongly encouraged – contact lead supervisor Dr Jessica Piasecki (jessica.piasecki@ntu.ac.uk).
Any other special conditions
- Project start date: April 2026
- Full-time only
- Successful applicants will be required to undergo DBS checks if working with younger participants
This studentship represents a rare opportunity to conduct impactful, industry-relevant research in the rapidly expanding field of women’s health and the microbiome.
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