Effect of Herbal Teas and Supplements on Microbial Flora and Metabolism 

An opportunity to apply for a funded full-time PhD in the Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences, UWE Bristol. The studentship will be funded by Pukka herbs and UWE Bristol : Ref 2022-APR-HAS01

The expected start date of this studentship is 1st April 2022.

The closing date for applications is 30th November 2021. 

Herbs in unadulterated and processed forms have been known to confer health benefits in humans for many thousands of years. Herbs are rich in phytochemicals which produce secondary metabolites required for plant growth, natural defence and are similar to human biochemical compounds. Current knowledge of medicinal herbs, particularly herbal teas, is largely focused on the physiological effects, leaving space for novel research in the area.

The coronavirus pandemic has made consumers more health conscious, driving up consumption of herbal teas and other herbal medicinal products. Yet, despite increased consumption, there is a lack of knowledge of the pharmacokinetic properties of these herbs

We are seeking to recruit an enthusiastic, motivated PhD candidate for a research project to investigate the effect of consuming herbal teas on microbial profiles and metabolism as well as providing some understand of the pharmacokinetic properties of these medicinal herbs. This project seeks to provide further understanding on the role that some medicinal herbs from consumption to excretion. In his project, the student will also investigate the mechanisms of action of the selected herbal candidates and will investigate metabolite profiles after consumption of the most effective herbal teas and supplements.

In this partnership PhD studentship between Dr Adukwu’s group at the University of the West of England and Pukka Herbs, the student will gain extensive research experience working in the Centre for Research in Bioscience laboratories and will have the opportunity to develop commercial knowledge and training with the industrial partner on this project. The PhD student will be based at UWE Bristol working in the Centre for Research in Biosciences (CRIB) laboratories where the student will join other graduate researchers with opportunities for training provided by the graduate school.

For an informal discussion about the studentship, please email Emmanuel.Adukwu@uwe.ac.uk 

The studentship is available from Pukka Herbs, Bristol/UWE Bristol for a period of three years, subject to satisfactory progress and includes a tax exempt stipend, which is currently £15,609 per annum.

In addition, full-time tuition fees will be covered for up to three years (Home/EU rates only). Overseas applicants will be required to cover the difference between Home/EU and the overseas tuition fee rates in each year of study.

The prospective student should have at least a second class honours, upper degree at undergraduate level in: microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology and pharmacology or related discipline. In addition, full-time tuition fees will be covered for up to three years (Home only). Overseas applicants will be required to cover the difference between Home and the overseas tuition fee rates in each year of study.

A recognised English language qualification is required.

Please submit your application online. When prompted use the reference number 2022-APR-HAS01.

Supporting documentation: you will need to upload your research proposal, all your degree certificates and transcripts and your proof of English language proficiency as attachments to your application so please have these available when you complete the application form.

References: you will need to provide details of two referees as part of your application. At least one referee must be an academic referee from the institution that conferred your highest degree. Your referee will be asked for a reference at the time you submit your application, so please ensure that your nominated referees are willing and able to provide references within 14 days of your application being submitted.

The closing date for applications is 30th November 2021 

Interviews will take place in February. If you have not heard from us by that date, we thank you for your application but on this occasion you have not been successful