PhD Studentship: Cellular response to DNA replication stress

Primary Supervisor - Dr Conrad Nieduszynski 

Complete, accurate genome replication is essential for all life on earth. However, the machines that replicate the DNA must overcome many obstacles, including transcription and DNA damage, collectively termed ‘replication stress’.  

A replication fork that encounters an obstacle may stall and activate a cellular surveillance mechanism, called a checkpoint. The activated checkpoint stabilises the stalled replication fork and inhibits further DNA replication to prevent the accumulation of further problems. This project will apply our cutting-edge single molecule, genomic technology to discover how cells respond to replication stress.  

We offer a highly collaborative, multi-disciplinary PhD between the Nieduszynski (DNA replication; technology development) and Blow (cell cycle control; cell biology; biochemistry) groups. The main aim of the project is to discover the mechanism by which excess Mcm2-7 protein loading ensures complete genome replication in the presence and absence of replication stress.    

You The student will work in a rapidly developing field and gain a unique expertise in nanopore single molecule sequencing, technology development and computational biology - 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) and UEA. The student will have access to training and career development opportunities at the UEA, the Earlham Institute, and onacross 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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