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Recent technological advances have revealed a plethora of diverse long non-coding (nc) RNA molecules produced from eukaryotic genomes in addition to protein-coding mRNA. Mutations in non-coding regions of the genome and altered expression of ncRNAs underpins a number of pathologies including cancer. Yet, very little is known about mechanisms involved in production of ncRNAs preventing us from understanding their role in health and disease. Our previous work lead to discovery that in contrast to mRNAs, nc transcripts rely on distinct and poorly understood mechanisms that control their RNA polymerase II (Pol II) transcription. As a result, ncRNAs are non-polyadenylated and targeted by the cellular RNA degradation machinery, RNA exosome.

The PhD project aims to fill the key gaps in our understanding of the transcriptional mechanisms involved in synthesis and maturation of ncRNA. This will be achieved through the Aims 1-3. A PhD student will identify and characterise factors linked to production of ncRNA biochemically (Aim 1) and investigate how these are recruited to Pol II during transcription and how they control biogenesis of ncRNA and contribute to gene expression regulation using state-of-the-art genomic approaches (Aim 2 and 3). The lab employs several model systems including yeast, C. elegans and mammalian cells.

Candidates should have or expect to obtain a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree. An MSc degree is advantageous. Your qualification should be broadly within Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry  or a related subject area. You may be considered for this position if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing.

Candidates for whom English is not their first language will require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall or equivalent proficiency - English language requirements 

Applications are particularly welcomed from candidates with protected characteristics – e.g., from Black and other ethnic minorities – who are under-represented in postgraduate research at our institution.