Real time sequencing for assembly of complex genomic regions using selective sequencing

Sequencing technology has advanced rapidly in the last 15 years. The advent of nanopore sequencing introduces truly portable, hand-held sequencing devices which have now been used in every imaginable location from the deep sea to the international space station. At Nottingham we have been at the forefront of tools development for the MinION sequencer, in particular exploiting real time interaction using “Read Until”. This project aims to look at how these technologies can be exploited to allow us to sequence and assemble complex regions of a range of genomes. This is a wet and dry project. The student will be involved in sequencing and analysis, and will have access to local expertise through DeepSeq, the University of Nottingham next generation sequencing facility and ADAC, the Advanced Data Analysis Centre.

There will be the opportunity to learn, apply and develop bioinformatics approaches. The applicant will need to embrace learning new laboratory techniques and collaborating with scientists from other disciplines.

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.