PhD Studentship: Engineering stable designer chromosomes

Primary Supervisor - Dr Conrad Nieduszynski 

Recent technological advances allow us to write and build whole chromosomes, allowing unprecedented potential for the design and creation of cellular machines.  

Synthetic designer de novo chromosomes will allow us to address fundamental biological questions, to systematically refactor genetic components, to incorporate large-scale metabolic pathways, and ultimately to engineer programmable organisms.  

To fulfil this potential, it is crucial to understand the design principlesals for stable maintenance of synthetic chromosomes. We have recently contributed to the design, build, and test of the first non- native eukaryotic chromosome, called a neoChromosome. This project builds upon this work to elucidate the requirements for fully synthetic chromosomes that can be stably maintained within cells.  

We offer a highly collaborative multi-disciplinary PhD between the Nieduszynski (chromosome biology; technology development) and Grandellis (engineering biology; molecular biology automation) groups. The main aim of the project is to test the design principles for stable maintenance of fully synthetic chromosomes within eukaryotic cells.  

YouThe student will work in a rapidly developing field and gain a unique expertise in engineering biology, technology development, and automation - skills that are in high demand for modern biological research in both academia and industry.  

The project will be conducted at the Earlham Institute, a BBSRC-supported, world-leading research centre for bioinformatics and genome biology. YouThe student will have access to training and career development opportunities at the Earlham Institute and acrosson the Norwich Research Park as part of the Norwich Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership. 

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. 

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