PhD Studentship: Out of Order: Investigating Genetic and Environmental Drivers of Genome Rearrangement

Primary supervisor - Dr Gemma Langridge

Bacterial genomes undergo many changes at the nucleotide level but it is increasingly being recognised that macro changes in their genome structure also occur. In this project, the genetic and environmental factors driving genome rearrangement will be investigated in two strains of foodborne bacteria. The results will contribute to a deeper understanding of the rules of life and provide a foundation to better understand the impact that genome rearrangement has upon key phenotypes including biofilm formation and response to antibiotics in the food chain.

The student will receive training in both wet lab and computational aspects, equipping them with an excellent range of skills including long and short read sequencing, metabolic and biofilm phenotyping, transposon mutagenesis and sequence analysis. They will join the research group of Dr Gemma Langridge, who is a world-leader in the field of genome rearrangement, and receive additional supervision from Prof Mark Webber, an expert in biofilms.

Located on the Norwich Research Park, the Quadram Institute is a state of the art building with outstanding facilities. The student will join a diverse community of microbiologists, molecular biologists and informaticians, alongside a cohort of graduate researchers with exceptional training opportunities.

Informal enquiries can be sent to: gemma.langridge@quadram.ac.uk

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/.

Entry requirements

At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1. English Language requirement (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category). 

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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