PhD Studentship: Whole Genome Sequencing from Mosquito Blood Meals
Pioneering whole-animal genome sequencing from mosquito blood meals to advance evolutionary and pathogen research.
Best for:Best for biology graduates with a strong interest in genomics, molecular laboratory work, and bioinformatics data analysis.
Overview
The University of East Anglia's School of Biological Sciences is offering a fully funded four-year PhD studentship through the Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme. Supervised by Dr Anders Bergstrom, the project focuses on recovering and sequencing whole animal genomes from wild mosquito blood meals to study genetic diversity and pathogen transmission. The successful candidate will develop expertise in both wet-lab molecular techniques and computational genomics. The training includes a compulsory three-month professional internship placement and participation in departmental seminars and conferences.
What you'll do
- Evaluate and develop protocols for efficient DNA extraction and Illumina sequencing from blood meal samples, integrating ancient DNA techniques.
- Investigate molecular properties of blood meal DNA, including degradation patterns and epigenetic information via Nanopore sequencing.
- Recover whole animal and pathogen genomes from blood meal samples to analyse population structure and transmission dynamics.
- Perform bioinformatics, metagenomics, and population genetics data analyses.
- Engage in departmental seminars, journal clubs, and present research findings at scientific conferences.
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelors (Honours) 2:1 or UK equivalence in biology or related field
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6 in each category
Instruction: English
- Background in biology such as genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, evolutionary biology, or biotechnology
- Demonstrated interest in molecular biology laboratory work and genomics
- Aptitude for computational data analysis and bioinformatics
- Open to applicants meeting standard UK doctoral training residency and academic criteria without discrimination
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-30
Applicants must submit their application through the university postgraduate admissions portal using the bespoke templates for personal and research statements provided on the NRPDTP website. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews.
- CV
- Personal statement
- Research statement
- Academic transcripts
- Reference letters
Contact
Anders Bergstrom· Primary Supervisor
https://research-portal.uea.ac.uk/en/persons/anders-bergstr%C3%B6m
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