PhD Studentship - The Influence of Placenta Partially Methylated Domains on Global Epigenetic Profiles

[4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD CASE studentship with Inspiralis Limited. Includes payment of tuition fees, £20,780 stipend per year, and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000 per year.] This fully funded PhD studentship at the University of East Anglia, in partnership with the Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP), investigates the influence of placenta partially methylated domains (PMDs) on global epigenetic profiles. The project is supervised by Professor David Monk (University of East Anglia) and Dr. Wilfried Haerty (Earlham Institute), offering a collaborative research environment with access to world-leading expertise in placental biology and epigenomics. The research aims to understand how PMDs affect gene transcription, enhancer selection, and epigenetic responsiveness to developmental cues. The successful candidate will employ advanced molecular biology techniques, including RNA-seq, methyl-seq, CUT&Tag, and hiC, to generate comprehensive expression, histone, and methylation profiles, as well as chromatin contact maps in placental tissue. Bioinformatic analysis will be a key component, helping to elucidate the functional role of PMDs in both health and disease contexts. The studentship provides a stipend of £20,780 per year, full payment of tuition fees, and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000 annually for four years. The programme also includes a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS) to enhance career development. Applicants should hold at least a UK equivalent Bachelors (Honours) degree with a minimum 2:1 classification, and a Master's degree is preferred. English language proficiency is required (IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category). The position is full-time, starting 1 October 2026, with interviews scheduled for early February 2026. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors to discuss the project before submitting a formal application. For further details and to apply, visit the University of East Anglia's postgraduate research application portal and the NRPDTP website.