PhD Opportunity Title: Dissecting the mechanism of meiotic crossover patterning in plants

Primary Supervisor - Dr Chris Morgan

Sex cells (e.g. sperm and eggs in humans) are produced by a special cell division called meiosis, during which chromosomes exchange large DNA segments. These DNA exchanges (called crossovers) are essential for generating genetic diversity, the driving force for evolution, and their frequency and position along chromosomes are tightly controlled. Despite over a century’s research, the cellular mechanism that determines where, and how many, crossovers form has remained mostly mysterious.  

In this project, the student will build on recent discoveries by performing key experiments in plants to test a new mechanistic model for meiotic crossover patterning (the coarsening model), pursuing new hypotheses unlocked by this novel way of thinking. They will use a multidisciplinary approach, encompassing live-imaging/super-resolution microscopy, proteomics, genomics and mathematical modelling to comprehensively investigate the mechanism of meiotic crossover patterning in the model plant species, Arabidopsis thaliana. The interdisciplinary project will take place in the laboratory of Dr Chris Morgan, located in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology at the John Innes Centre. Applications are welcomed from students across the biological sciences and that are interested in fundamental genetics and chromosome biology. The overall aim of this project is to address a critical knowledge gap in the field of genetics, generating insight and stimulating further work that will ultimately have practical applications in feeding Earth’s ever-growing population in the face of climate change. 

The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP) is offering fully funded studentships for October 2025 entry. The programme offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP CASE students undertake a three to 18-month placement with the non-academic partner during their study. The placement offers experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team. Students with, or expecting to attain, at least an upper second-class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply. 

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 28, 29 or 30 January 2025.  

Visit our website for further information on eligibility and how to apply: https://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk/ 

Our partners value diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background. 

Additional Funding Information

This project is awarded with a 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD DTP studentship. The studentship includes payment of tuition fees (directly to the University), a stipend to cover living expenses (2024/5 stipend rate: £19,237), and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000pa for each year of the studentship. 

Advert information