Exploiting Nanopore sequencing for genome sequencing

We are exploiting the latest generation Nanopore sequencing approaches to sequence large genomes. Nanopore sequencing is low cost, easy to use and can generate read lengths limited only by the ability to generate suitable input material. The project will focus on developing methods to obtain high quality high molecular weight DNA to maximise read length on this platform. We are specifically interested in capturing genome data from species which provide inherent challenges to short read sequencing due to the presence of large repeats or other complex challenges. These data will be combined with those we have already generated to understand fundamental questions addressing the rates of change of genomes and gene gain/loss (see Evans et al 2014). Alongside this, the project will develop and exploit methods for selective sequencing on the minION – so called ’Read Until’ (See Loose et al 2016). We are world leaders in this approach, enabling the ‘tasting’ of reads in the sequencer in real time and the selective rejection of material that has been seen before or does not meet some other experimental criterion. We will investigate how ‘Read Until’ can be used to iteratively improve assemblies and guide sequencing in real time. The ease of sequencing is such that applicants are encouraged from a diversity of backgrounds including Biology, Physics, Mathematics or Bioinformatics.

The University of Nottingham is one of the world’s most respected research-intensive universities, ranked 8th in the UK for research power (REF 2014). Students studying in the School of Life Sciences will have the opportunity to thrive in a vibrant, multidisciplinary environment, with expert supervision from leaders in their field, state-of-the-art facilities and strong links with industry. Students are closely monitored in terms of their personal and professional progression throughout their study period and are assigned academic mentors in addition to their supervisory team. The School provides structured training as a fundamental part of postgraduate personal development and our training programme enables students to develop skills across the four domains of the Vitae Researcher Development Framework (RDF). During their studies, students will also have the opportunity to attend and present at conferences around the world. The School puts strong emphasis on the promotion of postgraduate research with a 2-day annual PhD research symposium attended by all students, plus academic staff and invited speakers.