PhD Studentship: Engineering Biology to Decode Gene Regulatory Networks in Lateral Root Initiation

Overview

A fully funded four-year PhD studentship is available through the Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership. The project is hosted at the Earlham Institute in the United Kingdom, in collaboration with the Guiziou Group, focusing on engineering biology to decode gene regulatory networks in lateral root initiation.

The research combines cutting-edge DNA-based recorders utilising serine integrase with single-cell RNA sequencing to reconstruct the gene expression programme during lateral root founder cell specification. Responsibilities include building and optimising integrase-based genetic circuits in Arabidopsis, analysing resulting lines using fluorescence microscopy, and employing single-cell RNA sequencing combined with fluorescence-activated cell sorting to determine cell states. The final part of the project provides the candidate with the autonomy to shape their own research direction.

What you get

The studentship provides coverage of tuition fees paid directly to the university, a living expenses stipend at the rate of £21,805 per annum for the 2026/27 academic year, and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000 per annum for each year of the four-year duration. Additionally, researchers receive comprehensive training in engineering biology, automation, molecular biology, microscopy, plant transformation, protoplasting, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, and single-cell RNA sequencing and analysis. Participants also gain opportunities to present their work at international conferences and industry symposia within a collaborative environment that provides access to training and career development across the Norwich Research Park.

Key dates

The closing date for applications is 30 November 2026.