PhD Studentship: Exploring Niche Cell–cell Communication Through Alternative Splicing

Primary supervisor - Dr Iain Macaulay

Cells in the body constantly send and receive messages to coordinate development, maintain health, and respond to disease. Many of these messages are passed through cell surface proteins - receptors and ligands - that allow cells to “talk” to one another.

Recent research shows that the instructions for building these proteins can be edited by cells in real-time through a process called alternative splicing, resulting in different versions (or isoforms) of the same protein with very different functions.

This PhD project will explore how alternative splicing of receptor and ligand proteins changes how cells interact within important biological environments, or niches - specifically in the bone marrow stem cell niche and in tissue-resident immune cells.

Using cutting-edge single-cell long-read RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics, you will:

• Uncover hidden complexity in how cells communicate,
• Build new maps of receptor-ligand interactions with cellular resolution
• Help create tools to study these interactions at the isoform level.

The project will be supported by an interdisciplinary team of experts in genomics, immunology, and clinical research, and have access to world-class facilities at the Earlham Institute and Imperial College London.

You will receive training in advanced cell sorting, long-read sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, and computational biology - skills in high demand across both academic and applied research settings.

This project is suited to individuals with a curiosity for gene regulation, immune function, and technology development, with long-term relevance for understanding inflammation, autoimmunity, and tissue regeneration.

The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP) is offering fully funded studentships for October 2026 entry. The programme offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP students undertake a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS) during their study. The placement offers exciting and invaluable work experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team.

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 3,4 or 5 February 2026.

Visit our website for further information on eligibility and how to apply: https://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk/.

Mode of study: Full time

Start date: 1 October 2026

Additional Funding Information

This project is awarded with a 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD CASE studentship with Inspiralis Limited. The studentship includes payment of tuition fees (directly to the University), a stipend to cover living expenses (2025/6 stipend rate: £20,780), and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000pa for each year of the studentship.

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