Exploring How RNA Splicing Influences the Transcriptional Landscape of Wheat at University of East Anglia

Primary Supervisor – Prof Anthony Hall

Are you interested in a career in bioinformatics, genomics, or machine learning? Do you want to contribute to cutting-edge research in plant science?  The Earlham Institute’s vibrant, interdisciplinary research team values diverse perspectives and collaboration and is working to unravel the complexities of RNA splicing in wheat.  

Wheat has immense global importance and researchers are constantly engaged in identifying genetic variation to increase yield, resilience, disease resistance and reduce inputs. This project will explore how RNA splicing impacts the transcriptional landscape and drives phenotypic variation.   

You will have the opportunity to apply state-of-the-art sequencing and computational approaches to address critical questions, including understanding how splicing variation influences gene expression and how splicing is conserved across species in the Triticeae family.   

Collaborating with leading wheat breeders such as RAGT, KWS, and Limagrain, you’ll work on tools to predict alternative splicing using machine learning to help breeders pinpoint genetic variations linked to essential agricultural traits. Your research will have an immediate impact with potential real-world applications in agriculture.  

By the end of the PhD, you’ll have highly sought-after skills in genomics, bioinformatics, and data-driven biology, opening up opportunities in academia and industry. 

This project is ideal for anyone eager to learn bioinformatics or a computer scientist looking to apply machine learning to genomics.   

Apply now to contribute to groundbreaking discoveries in plant biology, Interested? Contact Anthony Hall (anthony.hall@earlham.ac.uk)  

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.  

Funding Details 

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.