Most DNA in the genome of eukaryotes (cells with a nucleus) is transmitted from its ancestors, in a process of vertical inheritance. However, we are beginning to discover that viruses can contribute significant amounts of DNA to their hosts, in a process called “endogenization”. The fate of this laterally acquired DNA is uncertain, most of viral DNA will be purged out as it will be either detrimental or neutral for the host. However, some parts of this viral DNA might result advantageous for the host. In the laboratory we are interested in how gene regulation might play a role in this process of viral DNA domestication by eukaryotic cells.
This project will tackle how giant viruses, a unique kind of virus with gigantic genomes that tends to endogenize, use epigenetic tools to manipulate their hosts, to test if that prompts endogenization events. We will achieve this by using a combination of comparative genomics, molecular biology and epigenomics, focusing on unicellular eukaryotic systems. The project will train the students in cutting edge bioinformatics, evolution and epigenetics research.
The laboratory of Alex de Mendoza works on the evolution of gene regulatory mechanisms, with a special interest on base modifications and transposable elements. The group has an expertise in comparative analysis of epigenetic profiles across distant eukaryotes, usually working on "non-model" systems. The group uses a combination of bioinformatics and cutting edge sequencing techniques (NGS, Nanopore) to answer deep questions in genome evolution. You can find more information about the group here: https://www.demendozalab.com/.
Find out more about the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences on our website.
We are looking for candidates to have or expecting to receive a first or upper-second class honours degree and a Master’s degree in an area relevant to the project such as Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Synthetic Biology, Virology.
Knowledge of cell culture, cloning, and / or comparative genomics would be highly advantageous but are not required.
You must meet the IELTS requirements for your course and upload evidence before CSC’s application deadline, ideally by 1st March 2025. You are therefore strongly advised to sit an approved English Language test as soon as possible, where your IELTS test must still be valid when you enrol for the programme.
Please find further details on our English Language requirements page.
Formal applications must be submitted through our online form by 29th January 2025 for consideration. Please identify yourself as a ‘CSC Scholar’ in the funding section of the application.
Applicants are required to submit the following documents:
Find out more about our application process on our SBBS website.
Informal enquiries about the project can be sent to Dr Alex de Mendoza AT a.demendozasoler@qmul.ac.uk Admissions-related queries can be sent to sbbs-pgadmissions@qmul.ac.uk
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for a formal interview by the supervisor. If you are successful in your QMUL application, then you will be issued an QMUL Offer Letter, conditional on securing a CSC scholarship along with academic conditions still required to meet our entry requirements.
Once applicants have obtained their QMUL Offer Letter, they should then apply to CSC for the scholarship with the support of the supervisor.
For further information, please go to the QMUL China Scholarship Council webpage.
Apply Online