All animals originate from a single cell, the zygote, that develops into a multicellular organism during embryogenesis. How do multiple cellular and whole organismal phenotypes arise from a single genome? And how does the environment dictate these developmental decisions? My lab investigates these fundamental questions using the honeybee (Apis mellifera), which has one of the most remarkable examples of developmental plasticity in any phylum. The honeybee genome encodes three phenotypically distinct animals (queens, workers and drones) that are determined during early post-embryonic development by differential nutrition. The molecular mechanisms responsible for this differential development are largely unknown but through our previous work, we were the first to demonstrate that queen, worker and drones have contrasting chromatin epigenetic states that establish and orchestrate the distinct patterns of gene expression that determine developmental trajectory. More recently, we employed the first multiomic approach in honeybees which revealed the regulatory genome in all three phenotypes.
In this project, you will build on this previous work and investigate the interplay between two crucial epigenetic mechanisms of genome regulation: chromatin modification and DNA methylation. You will ask three major questions: How are DNA methylation patterns established in the honeybee genome? What is the role of PWWP domains in recruiting DNA methylation to specific genomic loci? and what is the biological function of DNA methylation in honeybees? You will rigorously answer these questions by combining state-of-the-art functional genomics, RNAi/CRISPR and computational approaches with hands on apiculture. You will be encouraged to develop your own ideas and hypotheses.
The Hurd lab integrates molecular biology, biochemistry, proteomics, metabolomics and (epi)genomics. In this project, you will learn state-of-the-art techniques in functional (epi)genomics (ATAC-seq, CUT&RUN/TAG, RNAi, CRISPR), proteomics (mass spectrometry), metabolomics, biochemistry (chromatin/proteins) and apiculture (queen rearing, in vitro rearing). You will also develop a proficiency in computational and statistical analyses of large (epi)genomic datasets. Additionally, you will acquire project management and presentation skills and participate in international collaborations and networking. The Hurd lab is a is a vibrant research group and founding member of the QMUL Centre for Epigenetics (https://www.qmul.ac.uk/epigenetics/). Joint lab meetings provide a knowledgeable, stimulating and dynamic environment.
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. A master’s degree is desirable, but not essential. In a multidisciplinary project like this, candidates are unlikely to have a background in all disciplines involved. The most important qualification is motivation, enthusiasm and that the project appeals to you. However, we can envisage strong candidates coming through diverse routes including molecular biology, developmental and cell biology, biochemistry and computational biology.
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 Paul Hurd AT p.j.hurd@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.
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