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3 fully funded 4-year NRP-DTP PhD projects available at University of East Anglia (UK)

Posted by , on 1 November 2024

Job type:

Location: University of East Anglia

Closing Date: 25 November 2024

We have three fully funded 4-year NRP-DTP PhD projects available here at the School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia starting on 1st October 2025. Deadline for submitting applications is the 25th November 2024.

 

Project 1: Hematopoietic specification using single-cell in vivo CRISPR screen (MOK_U25DTP1) with Dr Gi Fay Mok (UEA) jointly with the groups of Dr Iain Macaulay, Dr Wilfried Haerty (Earlham Institute) and Prof David Monk (UEA). 

Are you passionate about research in development, stem cell biology, gene regulation, and cutting-edge molecular techniques? Join our innovative project, Hematopoietic Specification Using Single-Cell In Vivo CRISPR Screen, where you will delve into the genetic blueprint of blood formation and make impactful discoveries with real-world applications.

We have an exciting PhD opportunity investigating the genetic code of blood formation using cutting-edge CRISPR technologies. Blood is life’s vital fluid, continuously replenishing itself through a complex process known as hematopoiesis. This intricate process is orchestrated by a rare population of cells called hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), responsible for producing all blood cells. Despite advances, the precise gene regulatory mechanisms guiding HSC formation during embryonic development remain elusive. Understanding these mechanisms is critical for advancing treatments for blood disorders, cancers, and generating blood sources in vitro.

In this project, you will employ state-of-the-art single-cell CRISPR screening techniques during chick embryo development to identify novel genes and pathways involved in the formation of HSCs. The project is joint between groups of Gi Fay Mok and David Monk at UEA and Iain Macaulay and Wilfried Haerty at EI. You will design a custom guide RNA (gRNA) library, perform in vivo microinjections, and use advanced bioinformatics to analyse gene regulatory networks. You will gain expertise in molecular biology, high-throughput sequencing, and computational biology, equipping you with a versatile skill set highly sought after in both academia and industry.

The discoveries you make could lead to new therapeutic strategies for blood disorders, improved stem cell therapies, and enhance our understanding of genetic regulation in development. By joining this project, you will be at the forefront of a field with vast translational potential, contributing to breakthroughs that could change the future of medicine.

Contact Dr Gi Fay Mok (g.mok@uea.ac.uk) for more information and discussions about the project.

 

Project 2: Signalling pathways that mediate the dual origins of the dorsal aorta (MUNSTERBERG_U25DTP) with Prof Andrea Munsterberg (UEA) jointly with the group of Dr Gi Fay Mok (UEA).

Embryo development is a fascinating process generating a highly organised body plan with many features that are conserved across different vertebrate species. This includes the metameric organization of the vertebrae and the associated skeletal muscles, nerves and blood vessels, produced by somites residing on each side of the neural tube. In previous work, we have determined molecular profiles of somites and adjacent tissues along the anterior-posterior axis of developing chick embryos. This identified accessible chromatin, differentially expressed genes and cis-regulatory elements (CRE) active in specific cell lineages. This project will investigate the functions of candidate genes arising from these data sets. Specifically, the student will investigate signalling interactions between somites and the lateral plate mesoderm (LPM), focussing on Wnt, FGF and BMP pathways. Signalling cross-talk between somite and LPM is important for the formation of the dorsal aorta, a bilateral primary vessel, which will fuse and later form major arteries in the head, neck and trunk. Furthermore, the dosal aorta is the source of hematopoietic stem cells within the organism, thus, its formation is of fundamental importance. Insights gained have potential relevance for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. The project will use in vivo approaches for gene function analysis, genome editing and microscopy including live imaging and thus provide training in experimental embryology. An experienced team of supervisors will support the successful student candidate, who should be motivated and curious. Scientific collaborations, conference attendance and outreach activities will provide further training – in addition to opportunities offered by the DTP, UEA and the NRP.

Contact Prof Andrea Munsterberg (a.munsterberg@uea.ac.uk) for more information and discussions about the project.

 

Project 3: The Role of AGMO – alkylglycerol monooxygenase – in development (WHEELER_U25DTP) with Prof Grant Wheeler (UEA) jointly with the group of Dr Tim Grocott (UEA).

The canonical Wnt pathway is a potent signalling system that regulates numerous processes during embryonic development, including cell fate determination, migration, polarity, proliferation, and apoptosis, as well as stem cell biology and adult tissue homeostasis. Dysregulated Wnt signalling contributes to many diseases, including birth defects, neurodegeneration, and cancers. As a result, investigation of the Wnt pathway, and identification of Wnt regulators, is considered a research priority.

Lipid modifications are rapidly emerging as critical regulators of nearly every step in the canonical Wnt pathway. However, the nature, regulation and significance of such modifications remains poorly understood. Alkylglycerol monooxygenase (AGMO), the only enzyme known to cleave the O-alkyl ether bond in alkylglycerols, has recently been shown to be a critical regulator of Wnt signalling in the embryo. Ether lipids were not previously implicated in Wnt signalling or embryo formation.

In this project the student will identify and investigate agmo requirements during Xenopus embryogenesis, and determine precisely how agmo regulates the canonical Wnt signalling pathway. These studies will transform our understanding of the role ether lipids play in development and disease, opening up new avenues of investigation.

Contact Prof Grant Wheeler (grant.wheeler@uea.ac.uk) for more information and discussions about the project.

 

NRPDTP PhD Studentship details

NRPDTP PhD Studentships are funded for 4 years.

TUITION FEES
The Programme pays the tuition fees for the 4-year degree. For information on university fees and funding relating to postgraduate research degrees please visit the UEA website.

STIPEND
A student Stipend to cover living expenses for each year of study* at the UKRI national minimum rate (2024/5 stipend rate is £19,237)

RESEARCH TRAINING SUPPORT GRANT (RTSG)
A Research Training Support Grant of £5,000 per annum*.

*Some CASE studentships may offer an enhanced stipend and/or RTSG from the Non-Academic Partner associated with the project.

VISA COSTS
For NRPDTP research students starting 2024/5, the NRPDTP will contribute up to a maximum of £3,500 per student for visa application costs and immigration health surcharge costs where applicable. Funds will be paid on submission of appropriate evidence once the student enrols and registers on the course. These contributions are only available for a student’s individual costs and will not be paid for costs relating to any accompanying dependents. Please note that the programme cannot contribute towards costs in excess of £3,500 and cash advances prior to registration are not permitted. You should ensure therefore that you have the available funds to support your visa application before committing to the programme (https://www.gov.uk/student-visa).

 

Salary: £19,237

Start date: 1 October 2025

Closing Date: 25 November 2024

Scientific fields: Cardiovascular development, Development and disease, Neural development

Model systems: Chick, Xenopus

Duration: Fixed term

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