PhD Studentship: Decoding the rules of human gene interaction networks using combinatorial functional genomics
University of Exeter
Large-scale sequencing initiatives have identified thousands of genetic variants associated with human traits and disease. However, understanding how these variants influence biology remains a major challenge because genes do not act independently but within interconnected networks. Existing approaches, including CRISPR screens, have transformed gene discovery but remain poorly suited to measuring dose-dependent and higher-order genetic interactions. This limits our ability to understand how gene networks genera...
Large-scale sequencing initiatives have identified thousands of genetic variants associated with human traits and disease. However, understanding how these variants influence biology remains a major challenge because genes do not act independently but within interconnected networks. Existing approaches, including CRISPR screens, have transformed gene discovery but remain poorly suited to measuring dose-dependent and higher-order genetic interactions. This limits our ability to understand how gene networks genera...
Opportunity details
Large-scale sequencing initiatives have identified thousands of genetic variants associated with human traits and disease. However, understanding how these variants influence biology remains a major challenge because genes do not act independently but within interconnected networks. Existing approaches, including CRISPR screens, have transformed gene discovery but remain poorly suited to measuring dose-dependent and higher-order genetic interactions. This limits our ability to understand how gene networks generate cellular phenotypes and how genetic variation contributes to disease. This project addresses a fundamental question in functional genomics: how do combinations of genes interact to determine cell behaviour? The student will develop and apply innovative technologies to map genetic interactions in human cells, generating new insights into how gene networks influence health and disease. The project builds on our recently developed multiplexed Variable Dose Analysis (mVDA) technology, supported by preliminary data demonstrating robust detection of genetic interactions and integration with single-cell sequencing in Drosophila cells. mVDA enables simultaneous perturbation of multiple genes across a range of knockdown efficiencies, providing greater sensitivity and higher throughput than conventional screening approaches. Adapting mVDA for human cells represents a significant technical advance with the potential to transform genetic interaction mapping. The project has three objectives. First, the student will adapt and optimise mVDA in human cells, using established control interactions. Second, they will integrate this approach with either live-cell microscopy or single-cell sequencing, depending on interest. Live imaging provides sensitive phenotypic measuremen...
Eligibility
The student will develop a unique combination of experimental, computational and transferable skills highly relevant to careers in academia and industry.
Requirements
The student will develop a unique combination of experimental, computational and transferable skills highly relevant to careers in academia and industry.
Funding and benefits
Funding eligibility: UK Students, International Students. Funding amount: £21,805 The studentship will provide funding of fees and a stipend of £21,805 per annum for 2026/7..
How to apply
The student will develop and apply innovative technologies to map genetic interactions in human cells, generating new insights into how gene networks influence health and disease. Third, the student will apply the platform as a proof-of-concept to investigate genetic interactions involving the tumour suppressor NF1. For example, there are opportunities to focus on technology development, computational methods, network analysis or biological applications depending on their interests and expertise.
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Recorded source check: October 28, 2026. A stored check date does not guarantee that every field is complete or still current. Compare the provider, eligibility, funding and deadline with the live official call before applying.
Benefits
Funding eligibility: UK Students, International Students. Funding amount: £21,805 The studentship will provide funding of fees and a stipend of £21,805 per annum for 2026/7..
Eligibility summary
The student will develop a unique combination of experimental, computational and transferable skills highly relevant to careers in academia and industry.
Requirements
The student will develop a unique combination of experimental, computational and transferable skills highly relevant to careers in academia and industry.
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