Genomic Epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in East Anglia (PAGE_Q22MMB)

Project Description

The UK is a world leader in SARS-CoV-2 genome sequencing thanks to the COVID-19 Genomics UK Consortium (COG-UK). The [Employer hidden], in particular the Page group, has been at the forefront of sequencing SARS-CoV-2 genomes with over 60,000 sequenced in 18 months. Through our efforts to assist with the pandemic response, Norfolk is the most densely sequenced region of England. This PhD project focuses on looking more deeply at how the pandemic unfolded within one region to gain a deep understanding of genomic epidemiology and will help to inform future management of infectious diseases. Using genomics, we want to find answers to questions like: how did the Alpha variant spread within the region, what happened during hospital outbreaks, did different aged people spread the virus in different ways, were sampled from closed environments like prisons linked to the local community, did trends from random community surveillance match up with trends seen in hospitals? This builds upon existing research that looked at the early days of the pandemic. You will learn SARS-CoV-2 genomics, bioinformatics, genomic epidemiology, phylogenetics, how to work with Big Data, amplicon sequencing, as well as how to undertake large scale analyses on the Quadram Cloud which is run by the Page Group.

You will join a large group of bioinformaticians and molecular biologists who are experts in the field of SARS-CoV-2 and microbial bioinformatics, who have built many bioinformatics methods that are widespread use around the world. Our podcast is a major source of information for the latest in microbial bioinformatics.

Entry Requirements

• At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1 or UK equivalence Master’s degree.
• English Language requirement (Faculty of Medicine and Health equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category).

Funding

This project is awarded with a 4-year Microbes, Microbiomes and Bioinformatics (MMB) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) PhD studentship. Studentships include support for:

• A maintenance stipend, provided over four years, and funded according to the MRC stipend scale;
• Full tuition fees which will be paid directly to the University;
• Research and training costs.

Studentship funding will not normally cover costs associated with visa or health surcharges, or additional costs associated with entry to, and living in the UK.

How to Apply

Applications close: 17 January 2022. Apply via this UEA course page. You can find more information on eligibility and how to apply on the Partnerships in doctoral training page.

Primary Supervisor: Dr Andrew Page (QIB) – [contact hidden]. Secondary Supervisor: Prof Rob Kingsley (QIB).

This MMB DTP is committed to equality, diversity, widening participation and inclusion. We encourage enquiries and applications from all sections of the community, regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation, and transgender status. We value an aptitude for computer-based analysis, curiosity, and independence of thought, plus a commitment to work across the boundaries between the laboratory and bioinformatics to deliver high-impact research. We welcome applicants from low- and middle-income countries.