PhD Studentship: Small RNA, Big Impact: The role of SNORD116 in the metabolic development of adipocytes

Overview

The University of East Anglia offers a four-year PhD studentship through the Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership. The project investigates the role of small nucleolar RNAs in the metabolic development of adipocytes, specifically examining how these RNAs regulate RNA processing and gene expression.

The successful candidate works in the Smith Lab at the Bob Champion Research and Education Building, located at the Norwich Medical School. The research involves using gene-edited pluripotent stem cells to study the mechanisms behind adipocyte metabolism.

What you get

The studentship covers full payment of tuition fees directly to the university and provides a living expenses stipend at the 2026/27 rate of £21,805 per annum. Additionally, recipients receive a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000 per year for each year of the studentship.

Students receive comprehensive training in advanced techniques such as stem cell biology, directed differentiation, advanced flow cytometry, single-cell sorting, metabolomics, and long-read RNA sequencing. They also gain instruction in broader scientific and transferable skills, along with access to professional development opportunities and seminars.

Key dates

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