Phd Studentship: A Single-Cell Atlas of the Euglena Gracilis Cell Cycle

Overview

The University of East Anglia offers a four-year PhD studentship focused on creating a single-cell atlas of the Euglena gracilis cell cycle. Euglena gracilis is a unique single-celled protist that diverged from plants and animals over a billion years ago, featuring unconventional gene regulation mechanisms such as trans-splicing, base J DNA modification, and post-transcriptional controls. Although the organism holds industrial potential for bioplastics, biofuels, and nutraceuticals, its gene expression dynamics remain largely unmapped.

The doctoral researcher will profile individual cells to reveal gene expression patterns across the cell cycle and assess how factors such as light and temperature alter these systems. Research will take place on site at the Earlham Institute, a BBSRC research centre specializing in genomics, computational biology, engineering, and artificial intelligence. The doctoral researcher will be trained across laboratory and computational methods, including culturing, imaging, single-cell RNA-sequencing protocols, and computational cell-cycle reconstruction.

Who can apply

This position is intended for curious, quantitative graduates interested in combining wet-lab and computational research. Applicants with academic backgrounds in the biological, computational, or physical sciences are welcome to apply.

What you get

The appointment is funded through the Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership. It provides four years of support, including full coverage of university tuition fees, an annual living stipend of £21,805 for the 2026/27 academic year, and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000 per year. The successful candidate will also access training and career development programs through the partnership.

Key dates

The closing date for applications is 2026-11-30.