BBSRC White Rose DTP Studentship - Influence, and buffering, of genetic variation on miRNA regulation

Gene regulation is at the heart of many normal and pathological biological processes. miRNAs are small regulatory RNAs that target mRNAs for translational inhibition and degradation. They play an important part in regulatory networks and have been implicated in many developmental and disease processes. However, despite nearly 20 years of research, at this time it is not possible to predict which mRNAs are biologically meaningful targets of a miRNA, nor how variation in target sites or miRNA levels affect regulation. 

In this project the student will use cutting edge functional genomics, sequencing, bioinformatics and statistical tools to measure how changes in miRNA levels and target site sequences change miRNA regulation genome-wide. 

This project will mix wet and dry biological research, and the student will receive a through training in both lab and bioinformatics/data science techniques and might suit students from a broad range of biological, statistical and computational backgrounds who are eager to learn interdisciplinary skills.

The BBSRC WR DTP and the University of Sheffield are committed to recruiting future scientists regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or career pathway to date. We understand that commitment and excellence can be shown in many ways and we have built our recruitment process to reflect this. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in science, who have curiosity, creativity and a drive to learn new skills.

Note: Relocation costs for international students to the UK (visa, insurance, NHS fees, flights, etc) will be the responsibility of the student 

Entry Requirements: Students with, or expecting to gain, at least an upper second class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply. The interdisciplinary nature of this programme means that we welcome applications from students with backgrounds in any biological, chemical, and/or physical science, or students with mathematical backgrounds who are interested in using their skills in addressing biological questions. 

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Programme: PhD in Mechanistic Biology (4 years)

Start Date: 1st October 2023

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed mid February 2023