University of East Anglia
Just Landed
New Today
PhD Studentship: Decoding and Designing DNA Replication Origins Using Genome Language Models University of East Anglia in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
Available
Deadline
Nov 30, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of East Anglia

How do I apply for this?
Sign in for free to reveal details, requirements, and source links.
Meet Kite AI
More information can be found here
Keywords
Suggested scholarships
About this position
PhD studentship at the University of East Anglia and the Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership, hosted at the Earlham Institute.
This interdisciplinary project is led by Dr Conrad Nieduszynski and brings together expertise from the Li, Hall, Grandellis and Nieduszynski groups. The research asks how DNA replication origins are encoded and regulated in genomes, and whether genome language models can be used to design new genetic elements that control replication. The project combines computational biology, synthetic biology, and genomics with high-throughput experimentation in yeast.
You will develop predictive models of replication origin function, design synthetic DNA sequences, and test them using advanced molecular biology, nanopore sequencing, CRISPR-based genome editing, automation, and next-generation sequencing. The project is based in a highly collaborative environment with access to the Earlham Biofoundry, advanced genomics platforms, and wider training across the Norwich Research Park.
Funding is provided as a 4-year fully funded PhD studentship. Support includes tuition fees paid directly to the university, a living stipend at the 2026/27 rate of £21,805 per year, and a £5,000 per year Research Training Support Grant. NRPDTP students also complete a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS) during the programme.
Eligibility highlights include at least a UK-equivalent 2:1 Bachelor’s degree and English language proficiency at IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each category. The project is suitable for candidates interested in genomics, machine learning, genome engineering, and experimental synthetic biology, especially those wanting to build skills relevant to both academic research and biotechnology careers.
Application deadline: 30 November 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed on 2, 3, and 4 February 2027. Start date: 1 October 2027.
Funding details
Available
What's required
Applicants should have at least a UK-equivalent Bachelors (Honours) degree at 2:1 or above. English language ability is required at Faculty of Science equivalent level, with IELTS 6.5 overall and 6.0 in each category. The programme also expects applicants to use the bespoke Personal and Research Statement templates provided on the NRPDTP website.
How to apply
Apply through the University of East Anglia postgraduate research application portal. Use the bespoke Personal and Research Statement templates from the NRPDTP website as required. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 2, 3, and 4 February 2027.
Ask ApplyKite AI

How do I apply for this?
Sign in for free to reveal details, requirements, and source links.