About the Project
Within all tissues, cells differ in the way their genomes are regulated to active genes. This the basis of epigenetic regulation. Despite all cell of an individual having identical DNA, the interpretation of the genetic sequence makes them unique and ultimately regulates their differentiation. In complex organisms such as the human, cell-type heterogeneity is extensive and is only just being unravelled using single-cell genomics. Understanding this diversity is crucial to appreciating tissue function in healthy and disease conditions. The placenta is an exceptional tissue: it is transitory, regulating fetal growth and has unique methylation (5mC & m6A) profiles. Bioinformatic deconvolution of transcriptome and methylome datasets, combined with single-cell multi-omic analysis, will help resolve the heterogeneity that exists in this tissue across gestation and shed light on the relationship between transcriptome state, cellular phenotype and identify biomarkers associated with complicated pregnancies.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and ambitious student to generate and analyse multiple NGS-datasets to better understand placenta function in health and disease. The project is a joint Norwich Research Park venture between the groups of David Monk at the Biomedical Research Centre, University of East Anglia and Wilfried Hearty at the Earlham Institute. In addition to the bench and bioinformatic training that is provided through this unique collaborative project, the successful candidate will acquire excellent personal and professional development training offer through the DTP programme. This diverse and stimulating environment will allow a creative and talented student to develop key skills in preparation for a successful career in research or industry.
For more information on the supervisor for this project, please go here https://people.uea.ac.uk/d_monk
This is a PhD programme.
The start date is 1st October 2021.
The mode of study is full time.
The studentship length is 4 years.
About NRP DTP:
The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NRPDTP) is open to UK and international candidates for entry October 2021 and offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP students undertake a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS) during their study. The placement offers exciting and invaluable work experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team. Students with, or expecting to attain, at least an upper second class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply.
This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP programme. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on Thursday 7th January, Friday 8th January and Monday 11th January 2021.
Visit our website for further information on eligibility and how to apply: https://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk/
Our partners value diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background.
Funding Notes
This project is awarded with a 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NRPDTP) PhD studentship. The studentship includes payment of tuition fees (directly to the University), a stipend for each year of the studentship (2020/21 stipend rate: £15,285), and a Research Training Support Grant for each year of the studentship of £5,000 p.a..
Entry Requirements
At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1 or UK equivalence Master's degree. English Language requirement (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category).
References
Hernandez Mora JR, Tayama C, Sánchez-Delgado M, Monteagudo-Sánchez A, Hata K, Ogata T, Medrano J, Poo-Llanillo ME, Simón C, Moran S, Esteller M, Tenorio J, Lapunzina P, Kagami M, Nakabayashi K, Monk D. Characterization of parent-of-origin methylation using the Illumina Infinium MethylationEPIC array platform. Epigenomics. 2018 10: 941-954
Monteagudo-Sánchez A, Sánchez-Delgado M, Ramon Hernandez Mora J, Tubío Santamaría N, Gratacó E, Esteller M, López de Heredia M, Nunes V, Choux C, Fauque P, Perez de Nanclares G, Anton L, Elovitz A, Iglesias-Platas I, Monk D. Differences in expression rather than methylation at placenta-specific imprinted loci is associated with Intrauterine Growth Restriction. Clinical Epigenetics. 2019 11: 35.
Sanchez-Delgado M, Court F, Vidal E, Medrano J, Monteagudo-Sánchez A, Martin-Trujillo A, Tayama C, Iglesias-Platas I, Kondova I, Bontrop R, Eugenia Poo-Llanillo M, Marques-Bonet T, Nakabayashin K, Simón C, Monk D. Human oocyte-derived methylation differences persist in the placenta revealing widespread transient imprinting. PLOS Genetics. 2016, 12 (11): e1006427.
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