Engineering biology to decode gene regulatory networks in lateral root initiation

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.

The aim of this PhD project is to use DNA-based recorders to reconstruct the gene expression programme during lateral root founder cell specification. DNA-based recorders rely on serine integrases and allow permanent recording of gene expression events. You will combine this cutting-edge methodology with single-cell RNA sequencing to dissect spatiotemporal gene regulation of lateral root initiation.

During this project, 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 A. thaliana 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.
• Hands-on experience in an academic environment. 
• Opportunities to present your work at international conferences and industry symposia. 
• A vibrant, supportive research environment with excellent career progression—EI past students have gone on to become biotech CEOs, group leaders, and research scientists

The project will be conducted at the Earlham Institute, a world-class BBSRC research centre of excellence in genomics, engineering and computational biology, and AI. You will join a highly collaborative and supportive research community and have access to training and career development opportunities across the Norwich Research Park through the Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership.

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.