Mechanisms of control of 3D genome organisation
Qualification: PhD
Department: Molecular and Cell Biology
Application deadline: 29 April 2024
Start date: 23 September 2024
Overview
Supervisor
- Professor Daniel Panne (daniel.panne@le.ac.uk)
Project description
We have an exciting opportunity for exceptional PhD students to join us in a world-class research environment. We can offer a funded 3.5-year PhD scholarship open to UK and Overseas applicants.
The major aim of this PhD project is to unlock a key mystery in genome regulation. The project is part of an interdisciplinary, collaborative and international project involving groups in Imperial College London, the Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI) Amsterdam, the University of Oxford, and the University of Leicester. This project focuses on understanding molecular mechanisms that control the regulation of 3D genome organisation. The 3D genome organization refers to the spatial arrangement of chromatin within the nucleus, including the positioning of chromosomes, formation of chromatin loops, and interactions between regulatory elements such as promoters and enhancers.
The dysregulation of 3D genome organization has been increasingly recognized as a significant factor in cancer development and progression. We aim to understand the molecular mechanisms that enable control of 3D genome organization. Understanding these control mechanisms will be essential for identifying novel therapeutic strategies.
We offer
- Collaborative and supportive research environment
- State-of-the-art laboratory facilities
- Mentorship from experienced researchers and professors
- Access to a vibrant scientific community
- Opportunities for national and international collaborations
Your role
As a PhD candidate, you will play a pivotal role in conducting experiments, analysing data, and interpreting results. You will engage in interdisciplinary research that combines structural biology, molecular biology, genomics, and bioinformatics to gain a holistic understanding of molecular mechanisms that enable control of 3D genome organization. You will contribute to publications, attend conferences, and develop a skill set that will propel your career in academia or industry.
Funding
Funding
The funding will provide:
- 3.5 year stipend at UKRI rates. For 2024/5 this will be £19,237 pa
- 3.5 year UK fee waiver.
International students are welcome to apply but will need to be able to demonstrate they can fund the difference between UK and overseas fees for the duration of their studies. For 2024/25 this will be £18,864 per year.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
You should hold or expect to hold before the start of the PhD:
Bachelor Degree in a relevant subject at UK2:1 or better or overseas equivalent
The University of Leicester English language requirements apply.
Qualifications:
- Degree in a relevant field (Biochemistry, Molecular biology, Biophysics, Chemistry or related disciplines).
- Strong background in quantitative skills or Biochemistry & molecular biology techniques.
- Passion for unravelling molecular mechanisms of biological processes.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
Informal enquiries
Informal enquiries
- Professor Daniel Panne - daniel.panne@le.ac.uk
- Application enquiries - pgradmissions@le.ac.uk
How to apply
How to apply
To apply please use the Apply button at the bottom of this page and select September 2024.
With your application, please include:
- CV
- Personal statement explaining your interest in the project, your experience and why we should consider you
- Degree certificates and transcripts of study already completed and if possible transcript to date of study currently being undertaken
- Evidence of English language proficiency if applicable
- In the reference section please enter the contact details of your two academic referees in the boxes provided or upload letters of reference if already available.
- In the funding section please specify MCB Panne studentship
- In the proposal section please provide the name of the supervisors and project title (a proposal is not required)
Eligibility
Eligibility
Open to UK and overseas applicants.
Overseas applicants please refer to the funding section.
