PhD Studentship: Decoding and Designing DNA Replication Origins Using Genome Language Models

Overview

This four-year PhD studentship focuses on decoding and designing DNA replication origins using genome language models. The project takes place at the Earlham Institute, which is part of the University of East Anglia in the United Kingdom. Students will combine computational biology, synthetic biology, and genomics to study how DNA replication origins are encoded and regulated, develop predictive models, design synthetic DNA sequences, and test them in yeast.

The research is conducted within a collaborative community supported by the Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership. Participants gain access to advanced genomics platforms, the Earlham Biofoundry, and facilities across the Norwich Research Park, including professional development and training opportunities.

What you get

The studentship covers the payment of tuition fees directly to the university and provides a stipend for living expenses at the rate of £21,805 per annum. Additionally, a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000 per year is provided for each year of the studentship.

Requirements

Applicants must hold at least a UK equivalence Bachelors Honours 2:1 degree. Non-native speakers must meet the Faculty of Science English language requirement of IELTS 6.5 overall with 6 in each category. Applicants must use the bespoke templates provided on the programme website for their Personal and Research statements.

How to apply

Applications must incorporate the required bespoke templates for the Personal and Research statements available on the programme website. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for interviews.

Key dates

The closing date for applications is 30 November 2026. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 2, 3, and 4 February 2027. The start date for the program is 1 October 2027.