University of East Anglia
1 week ago
PhD in Whole Genome Sequencing from Mosquito Blood Meals University of East Anglia in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Molecular Biology
Funding
Fully funded 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD studentship. Covers tuition fees, a stipend for living expenses (2026/27 rate £21,805), and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000 per year. Includes a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS).
Deadline
Nov 30, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of East Anglia
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About this position
PhD opportunity: Whole genome sequencing from mosquito blood meals at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, United Kingdom.
This project sits within the Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP) and focuses on genomics, bioinformatics, molecular genetics, evolution, ecology, entomology, and biotechnology. The research aims to move beyond species detection in mosquito blood meals and pioneer the recovery of whole animal genomes from these samples.
Working with hundreds of already-collected blood meals, the student will investigate DNA degradation and damage, improve extraction and sequencing protocols, and use both Illumina and Nanopore sequencing. The project also explores epigenetic information and the use of blood meal genomes to study animal population structure, genetic relatedness, and pathogen transmission dynamics.
The successful applicant will receive broad training in molecular biology experiments, genomics technologies, metagenomics, population genetics, wet-lab methods, and computational genomics. The programme includes journal clubs, departmental seminars, conference presentation opportunities, and a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS).
Eligibility: candidates should have a background in biology, such as genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, evolutionary biology, or biotechnology, and a strong interest in lab work, genomics, evolution, and data analysis. The studentship is open to students worldwide.
Funding: fully funded 4-year studentship covering tuition fees and a living stipend (£21,805 for 2026/27), plus a £5,000 per year Research Training Support Grant.
Application: shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 2–4 February 2027. Visit the NRPDTP website for eligibility details and application instructions, and use the bespoke personal and research statement templates required by the programme.
Funding details
Fully funded 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD studentship. Covers tuition fees, a stipend for living expenses (2026/27 rate £21,805), and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000 per year. Includes a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS).
What's required
Applicants should have a background in biology, such as genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, evolutionary biology, or biotechnology, and strong interests in molecular biology lab work, genomics, evolution, and data analysis. The project is a competition-funded PhD studentship and is open to students worldwide.
How to apply
Visit the Norwich Research Park Biosciences DTP website for eligibility details and application instructions. Use the NRPDTP personal and research statement templates when applying. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 2–4 February 2027.
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Prepare your application
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Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.