Uncovering the Hidden Human Milk Microbiome

OVERVIEW

Until recently, human milk (HM) was considered to be sterile and free of microorganisms in healthy mothers. We are now beginning to understand the importance of the microbiome of HM and its role in developing the naïve immune system of new-born babies. Many of the studies exploring the HM microbiome have focused on the use of rRNA gene sequencing techniques. Although valuable information on the composition of the microbiome can be obtained, no functional information on their biochemical characteristics is gained; limiting our understanding of how the microbiome interacts with the new-born host.

This project will develop a collection of HM microorganisms using novel culture methods, techniques, and media, with a focus on the use of anaerobic methods. The recovery of microorganisms will be compared to DNA sequencing data to gauge the success of different techniques. Furthermore, the biochemical properties of these microorganisms in response to various culture conditions will be tested using ambient ionisation mass spectrometry techniques to gain an understanding of how they may respond to the new-born gastrointestinal tract. The effect of various treatment and storage conditions (e.g. pasteurisation and freezing) on microbial viability will be pursued; potentially informing guidelines for donor HM banks and at-home storage.

This project will be supervised by Dr Simon Cameron and Professor Sharon Huws of Queen’s University School of Biological Sciences.

Specific skills/experience required by applicants:

A microbiology undergraduate or postgraduate degree would be required or equivalent experience and expertise in standard microbiology laboratory techniques. A willingness to be involved in participant recruitment and sample collection would be beneficial. Experience with statistical analysis, including the use of R, would be beneficial.

All applicants must meet the academic entry requirements:
https://www.qub.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate-research/biological-sciences-phd.html#entry

Research Information

PhD Supervisors
Information on the research interests and activities of academics in Biological Sciences can be accessed via the School website and the Find a Supervisor facility.

Career Prospects

Introduction
Queen’s postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as the DegreePlus/Future Ready Award, bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally. Career prospects in the biological sciences are exceptionally good. To some extent it depends on the specific topic, of course, but laboratory-based and especially quantitative skills and the proven innovation of a PhD or MPhil are highly sought after. Degrees are very much in demand, both in commercial science and public sector research and development (e.g. drug discovery and development, crop and animal improvements and welfare, sustainable agriculture and resource use, human nutrition and health, animal health, ecological management, food safety and technology, scientific communications, regulation, and many more fields).

Employment after the Course
Graduates have gone on to be professional research scientists, consultants, or hold technical and junior executive positions in commerce and government.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

Graduate
The minimum academic requirement for admission to a research degree programme is normally an Upper Second Class Honours degree in a relevant subject from a UK or ROI HE provider, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Further information can be obtained by contacting the School.

International Students

For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.

English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).

International students wishing to apply to Queen’s University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen’s University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Find a supervisor

If you’re interested in a particular project, we suggest you contact the relevant academic before you apply, to introduce yourself and ask questions.

To find a potential supervisor aligned with your area of interest, or if you are unsure of who to contact, look through the staff profiles linked here.

You might be asked to provide a short outline of your proposal to help us identify potential supervisors.