Defining the Impact of GLP-1/GIP Dual Agonism on Gut Homeostasis Across the Gastrointestinal Tract.
Not stated
- Location
- Joondalup, Australia, Australia
- Funding
- Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
- Application deadline
- 29 September 2026
About the project
About the Project Project overview: GLP-1/GIP dual agonists such as tirzepatide (Mounjaro) have transformed the treatment of obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiometabolic disease. However, gastrointestinal side effects remain a leading cause of treatment discontinuation, and we still know remarkably little about what these therapies do to the gut itself. This project will define how this widely prescribed therapy affects gut permeability and mucosal microbial communities along the gastrointestinal tract, identifying region-specific microbial signatures and pathways linked to barrier and immune function. Additionally, this project involves method development of site-specific gut permeability assays for future clinical studies. Overall, this work will improve our understanding of the effects of GLP-1/GIP therapies on gut homeostasis, and the implications this has for cardiometabolic health. Ideal candidates will have: A background (or strong interest) in biomedical science, microbiology, nutrition, gastroenterology, immunology, or related fields Experience with preclinical and/or clinical research and molecular biology techniques A strong scientific mindset and comfort working with laboratory-based methods, as this project will have both wet lab and bioinformatics components Desirable: experience with microbial bioinformatics/data science/R programming Strong critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills You will be working within the Gut Homeostasis in Cardiometabolic Health Laboratory at Nutrition & Health Innovation Research Institute at Edith Cowan University in Perth, Western Australia. The laboratory investigates how the gut environment, including intestinal permeability, luminal pH and microbial activity, contributes to cardiovascular, kidney and metabolic disease, and how it might be modified through diet and therapy. NHIRI is a leading Australian nutrition research institute with established programs in cardiometabolic and vascular health. Perth offers an exceptional quality of life, with a Mediterranean climate, world-class beaches and one of the most liveable urban environments in Australia. It was ranked the 13th most liveable city in the world in the 2026 Economist Intelligence Unit Global Liveability Index. Prospective candidates are kindly asked to complete the Expression of Interest form. If you have questions, please contact Dr Matthew Snelson.