Project description

Are you holding a Master's degree and looking for a PhD position in the area of developmental epigenetics? As a member of the Norwich Research Park (NRP), the University of East Anglia invites applications for the 2026 BBSRC funded Development Training PhD Programme.

Our previous work has revealed that the human placenta has large partially methylated domains (PMDs) that result in global hypomethylation. This project will address how PMDs influence local gene transcription, enhancer choice and epigenetic responsiveness to developmental cues. The candidate will determine how histone modifications and chromatin looping influence genome function within PMDs by generating global expression, histone and methylation profiles, as well as contact maps in placenta using RNA-seq, methyl-seq, CUT&Tag and hiC approaches. Bioinformatic analysis of the resulting datasets, will help resolve how PMDs function in health and disease.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and ambitious student who is keen to unite both laboratory and computation skills. The project is a joint NRP venture between the groups of Professor David Monk at the University of East Anglia and Dr Wilfried Haerty at the Earlham Institute. In addition to the generic skills training that is provided through the BBSRC NRPDTP programme, the student will be supported by an excellent infrastructure and will work closely with experts in the placental biology and epigenomics. This diverse and stimulating environment allows for the development of key skills in preparation for a successful career in research or industry.

All candidates are strongly advised to contact the PIs to discuss the projects prior to formal application.

https://research-portal.uea.ac.uk/en/persons/david-monk

https://www.earlham.ac.uk/profile/wilfried-haerty

The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP) is offering fully funded studentships for October 2026 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 3,4 or 5 February 2026.

Visit our website for further information on eligibility and how to apply:

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 3,4 or 5 February 2026.

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 (2025/6 stipend rate: £20,780), and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000pa for each year of the studentship.

References

Daskeviciute D, Sainty B, Moar L, Bone C, Russell S, Iglesias-Platas I, Arnaud P, Monteagudo-Sánchez A, Greenberg M, Chen, Manerao-Azua A, Perez de Nanclare G, Lartey J, Monk D. PIK3R1 and G0S2 are human placenta-specific imprinted genes associated with germline inherited maternal DNA methylation. Epigenetic 2025; 20:2523191.

Daskeviciute D, Chappell-Maor L, Sainty B, Arnaud P, Iglesias-Platas I, Simon C, Okae H, Arima T, Vassena R, Lartey J, Monk D. Non-canonical imprinting, manifesting as post-fertilization placenta-specific parent-of-origin dependent methylation, is not conserved in humans. Hum Mol Genet. 2025; 34: 626-638.

Sainty R, Silver MJ, Prentice AM, Monk D. The influence of early environment and micronutrient availability on developmental epigenetic programming: lessons from the placenta. Front Cell Dev Biol. 2023,11:1212199.

Hernandez Mora JR, Buhigas C, Clark S, Del Gallego Bonilla R, Daskeviciute D, Monteagudo-Sánchez A, Poo-Llanillo ME, Medrano JV, Simón C, Meseguer M, Kelsey G, Monk D. Single-cell multi-omic analysis profiles defective genome activation and epigenetic reprogramming associated with human pre-implantation embryo arrest. Cell Rep. 2023, 42: 112100.

Silver M, Saffari A, Kessler N, Chandak G, Fall C, Issarapu P, Dedaniya A, Betts M, Moore S, Routledge M, Herceg Z, Derkshan M, James P, Monk D, Prentice A. Environmentally sensitive hotspots in the methylome of the early human embryo. Elife. 2022 E72031.

The influence of placenta partially methylated domains on global epigenetic profiles (MONK_U26DTP)

Project description

Entry requirements

Funding

References