Project Description
Primary Supervisor - Dr James Smith
Investigating the Molecular Basis of Adipocyte Metabolic Development
Understanding how fat cells (adipocytes) develop is fundamental to population-level metabolic health. This project offers the opportunity to investigate an emerging and relatively underexplored area of RNA biology: the role of small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) in regulating adipocyte metabolic development.
Once considered functionally peripheral, snoRNAs are increasingly recognised as important regulators of RNA processing and gene expression. However, their specific contribution to metabolic development remains poorly understood. This project will address that gap, providing genuine scope to generate novel insights in the field.
Using state-of-the-art gene-edited pluripotent stem cells, the successful candidate will examine how snoRNAs influence the mechanisms underlying adipocyte metabolism. The project offers comprehensive training in a range of advanced techniques, including:
- Stem cell biology and directed differentiation
- Advanced flow cytometry and single-cell sorting
- Metabolomics
- Long-read RNA sequencing
In addition to this specialist training, students will benefit from high-quality instruction in broader scientific and transferable skills, alongside access to a wide range of seminars and professional development opportunities.
The project will be based in the Smith Lab at the Bob Champion Research and Education Building, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, within a collaborative and supportive environment.
This project is well suited to students seeking to develop expertise in cutting-edge molecular and cellular techniques while contributing to a growing area of metabolic research with significant relevance to human health.
The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP) is offering fully funded studentships for October 2027 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 the 2nd, 3rd and 4th February 2027.
Visit our website for further information on eligibility and how to apply: https://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk
Our partners value diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background.
To maximise accessibility and attract students from underrepresented groups to our programme we have introduced bespoke templates for applicant Personal and Research statements which will enable every applicant to fully represent themselves through providing suitable examples and evidence. These forms are on the NRPDTP website and must be used for these sections of the application form.
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).
Funding
This project is awarded with a 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD DTP studentship. The studentship includes payment of tuition fees (directly to the University), a stipend to cover living expenses (2026/27 stipend rate: £21,805, and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000pa for each year of the studentship.
