Engineering biology to decode gene regulatory networks in lateral root initiation (GUIZIOU_E27DTP)
Key details
- Application Deadline
- 30 November 2026 23:59 UK Time
- Location
- Earlham Institute
- Funding Type
- Competition Funded (Home and International)
- Start Date
- 1 October 2027
- Mode of Study
- Full-time
- Programme Type
- PhD
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Project Description
Primary Supervisor - Dr Sarah Guiziou
Are you a motivated undergraduate with a passion for engineering biology and plant science?
We’re offering an exciting PhD opportunity with the Guiziou Group at the Earlham Institute using engineering biology and single-cell genomic technology to drive forward our understanding of lateral root initiation.
This PhD project aims to use DNA-based recorders (based on serine integrase) to reconstruct the gene expression programme during lateral root founder cell specification. You will combine this cutting-edge methodology with single-cell RNA sequencing to dissect spatiotemporal gene regulation of lateral root initiation.
You will build and optimise integrase-based genetic circuits in Arabidopsis to record the order in which genes of interest are expressed. Using fluorescence microscopy, you will analyse the resulting Arabidopsis lines to better understand the gene regulatory network underlying lateral root founder cell specification, with high spatiotemporal resolution.
You will also use single-cell RNA sequencing (combined with FACS) to determine the cell state of precise lateral root founder cell subpopulations marked with the engineered genetic circuit. During this project, you will develop your critical thinking and scientific independence, with the final part of the project being up to you to shape.
This project offers:
• Comprehensive training in engineering biology, automation, molecular biology, microscopy, plant transformation, protoplasting, FACS, single-cell RNA sequencing and analysis.
• Opportunities to present your work at international conferences and industry symposia.
• A vibrant, supportive research environment with excellent career progression: past students at the Earlham Institute became biotech CEOs, group leaders, and research scientists.
• A highly collaborative and supportive research community with access to training and career development opportunities across the Norwich Research Park.
You will become an expert in plant engineering biology through this project and take part in the mission of the Guiziou group, which is to have a tangible impact on sustainable agriculture.
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).
Funding
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
Maranas, C. J., George, W., Scallon, S. K., VanGilder, S., Nemhauser, J. L., & Guiziou, S. (2024). A history-dependent integrase recorder of plant gene expression with single-cell resolution. Nature Communications, 15(1), 9362. Guiziou, S., Maranas, C. J., Chu, J. C., & Nemhauser, J. L. (2023). An integrase toolbox to record gene-expression during plant development. Nature communications, 14(1), 1844. Guiziou, S., Chu, J. C., & Nemhauser, J. L. (2021). Decoding and recoding plant development. Plant Physiology, 187(2), 515-526. Gala, H. P., Lanctot, A., Jean-Baptiste, K., Guiziou, S., Chu, J. C., Zemke, J. E., ... & Nemhauser, J. L. (2021). A single-cell view of the transcriptome during lateral root initiation in Arabidopsis thaliana. The Plant Cell, 33(7), 2197-2220.