About the Project
Project Supervisor - Dr Conrad Nieduszynski
How does a cell know where and when to copy its DNA? And can we use artificial intelligence to design entirely new genetic elements that control this process?
This exciting interdisciplinary PhD project will tackle a fundamental question in biology: how DNA replication origins are encoded and regulated within genomes.
Working at the interface of computational biology, synthetic biology, and genomics, you will combine cutting-edge genome language models (AI systems trained on whole genomes) with high-throughput experimental approaches to uncover the rules that govern DNA replication. You will develop predictive models of replication origin function, design hundreds of synthetic DNA sequences, and test their performance in yeast using advanced molecular biology and nanopore sequencing technologies.
The project brings together complementary expertise from the Li, Hall, Grandellis and Nieduszynski groups, providing training in machine learning, genome engineering, automation, CRISPR-based genome editing, next-generation sequencing, and data analysis. You will also have access to world-class facilities, including the Earlham Biofoundry and advanced genomics platforms.
The project will be conducted at the Earlham Institute, a world-class BBSRC research centre of excellence in genomics, engineering and computational biology, and AI. You will join a highly collaborative and supportive research community and have access to training and career development opportunities across the Norwich Research Park through the Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership
Beyond answering fundamental questions about chromosome biology, this research aims to enable the rational design of stable synthetic chromosomes, a key challenge in the future of engineering biology. The project offers outstanding opportunities for collaboration, international conference presentations, and publication, while developing highly sought-after computational and experimental skills relevant to both academia and biotechnology industries.
Join us to help decode the language of genomes and design the chromosomes of the future.
The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP) is offering fully funded studentships for October 2027 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 students undertake a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS) during their study. The placement offers exciting and invaluable work experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team.
This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th February 2027.
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.
To maximise accessibility and attract students from underrepresented groups to our programme we have introduced bespoke templates for applicant Personal and Research statements which will enable every applicant to fully represent themselves through providing suitable examples and evidence. These forms are on the NRPDTP website and must be used for these sections of the application form.
Entry requirements
At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1. English Language requirement (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category).
Mode of study
Full-time
Start date
1 October 2027
Funding Notes
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 (2026/27 stipend rate: £21,805, and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000pa for each year of the studentship.
References
Schindler, D. et al. Design, construction, and functional characterization of a tRNA neochromosome in yeast. Cell 186, 5237-5253.e22 (2023).
Genome modelling and design across all domains of life with Evo 2. Nature 652, 1349–1361 (2026). Yu, H. et al. An interpretable RNA foundation model for exploring functional RNA motifs in plants. Nat. Mach. Intell. 6, 1616–1625 (2024).
Müller, C. A. et al. Capturing the dynamics of genome replication on individual ultra-long nanopore sequence reads. Nat Methods 16, 429–436 (2019).