Doktorand/PhD

Project Summary

Epigenetic modifiactions, such as DNA methylation, play an important role in regulating gene expression. DNA methylation can also act as a “soft mutation”, creating phenotypic variation and allowing rapid adaption to environments. Decoding the complex patterns of methylation is a key barrier holding us back from understanding and harnessing this adaptability – particularly in response to climate change. 

This project aims to take a data-driven approach to overcome the problem. We want to bring together large amounts of open data and develop machine learning algorithms that can identify methylation sites or spot patterns that are critical for regulating gene expression in multiple plant species. 

The project, based in the Anthony Hall Group,  is a collaboration between experts in epigenetics, genomics and bioinformatics at the Earlham institute and cutting-edge practitioners in machine learning and artifical intelligence at the John Innes Centre and IBM. This is an excellent PhD opportunity for a biologist to take a step into computational biology or for a data/computational scientist/mathmatician to apply their knowledge to an important life science question.

Entry Requirements

At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1 or UK equivalence Master's degree. English Language requirement (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category).

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

You can also visit: www.earlham.ac.uk/application-guidance

Supervisor:

Prof. Anthony Hall

Contact email:

anthony.hall(at)earlham.ac.uk

Co-supervisor:

Prof Richard Morris (JIC)

Start date:

01 October 2021

Funding:

NRPDTP funded by BBSRC