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MRC NW-DMS DLA programme: Decoding why gingivitis may lead to noma: characterising the oral microbiome and immunology of children at risk of noma

Funding
Funded
Study mode
Full-time
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Subject area
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
How to apply
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Overview

Noma is a devastating orofacial disease that mainly affects children aged 2–6 years living in conditions of extreme poverty, particularly where chronic malnutrition and poor oral health are common. Once established, the disease can progress rapidly, destroying the soft tissues of the face. Without treatment, mortality has historically been estimated at up to 90%, while survivors may be left with severe functional and facial disfigurement and lifelong stigma. In 2023, noma was formally recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a Neglected Tropical Disease.

About this opportunity

Despite its severity, we still know remarkably little about why noma develops. The disease is strongly associated with disruption of the normal oral bacterial community, known as the oral microbiome, but its precise cause remains unknown. WHO describes noma as progressing through a series of stages. The earliest stages include gingivitis and acute necrotising gingivitis (ANUG), which are thought to precede noma. However, most children with gingivitis do not progress to ANUG, and most children with ANUG do not go on to develop noma.

This project will investigate why some children may be at greater risk of progression. The student will characterise the oral microbiomes of children with gingivitis and ANUG living in noma-endemic areas and compare these with existing datasets from children with acute noma. The project will test whether some children with early-stage disease already carry bacterial species or microbial community patterns associated with noma, and whether disruption of the oral microbiome increases progressively as disease severity increases.

Samples will be analysed using shotgun metagenomic sequencing, which allows the DNA of all microorganisms present in a sample to be studied simultaneously. The student will receive training in bioinformatic analysis of metagenomic data, including microbial community profiling, genome-based analysis, comparative genomics, statistical analysis and, where appropriate, machine-learning approaches to identify patterns associated with disease progression.

The student will join a wider multidisciplinary team working across microbiology, bioinformatics, immunology, dentistry and global health, with the overall aim of improving understanding of how noma develops and identifying potential markers of children at greatest risk.

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Who is this for?

Applicants must have obtained or be about to obtain a minimum Upper Second class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in microbiology, bioinformatics or other relevant biological science. Research experience in bioinformatics is desirable.

International applicants

We are only able to offer a limited number of full studentships to applicants outside the UK. Therefore, full studentships will only be awarded to exceptional quality international candidates due to the competitive nature of this scheme.

International applicants must ensure they meet the academic eligibility criteria (including English language) before applying. Visit our English Language requirements page to find out more.

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How to apply

  1. 1. Contact supervisors

    Before you Apply

    Browse our MRC NW-DMS DLA projects and discover one you’re passionate about that matches your interests, ambitions and goals.

    Applicants must make direct contact with preferred supervisors before applying. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to meet with potential supervisors, prior to submitting a formal online application.

  2. 2. Prepare your application documents

    All applications to University of Liverpool projects should be submitted via the Microsoft Forms link:

    MRC NW-DMS DLA candidate application form 2027/28 entry – University of Liverpool – Fill in form

    You may apply for up to two projects from the programme at University of Liverpool via this scheme. To do so, submit a single online application form selecting both project titles you wish to apply to.

    Following your online form submission, you should then email with the following supporting documents:

    • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
    • Supporting Statement
    • Academic Certificates and Transcripts
    • English Language certificates where required
    • Passport photo page copy

    Please use the email subject line: MRC NW-DMS DLA application [insert your full name] so we can match your email submission to your online form submission. Please ensure you use exactly the same first name and surname on this form and on your email. You must submit both your online form and the required supporting documents by the deadline.

    If applying for two University of Liverpool projects, you only need to submit the supporting documents once.

    Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

    Applications should not be made through the University of Liverpool’s application portal.

    Once you have completed your application, you’ll receive a confirmation email.

    Deadline: Friday 27th November 2026, midnight UK time

    Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

    If you need help with this stage of the process, or have any queries regarding your eligibility (such as if you achieved unexpectedly low degree results due to extenuating circumstances), please contact the Liverpool NW-DMS team for advice at

    Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

    Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Liverpool, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on our website.

  3. 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.

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Funding your PhD

These studentships are available to UK and international applicants, and provide funding for tuition fees and stipend at the UKRI rate, subject to eligibility, for four years. This does not include any costs associated with relocation. This scheme is open to both UK and international applicants.

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Contact us

Have a question about this research opportunity or studying a PhD with us? Please get in touch with us, using the contact details below, and we’ll be happy to assist you.

Liverpool NW-DMS team
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