The eukaryotic genome is dynamically packaged into chromatin to regulate gene expression and to ensure faithful distribution of the genetic material between daughter cells during mitosis and meiosis. This project will investigate the role of chromatin dynamics and epigenetics in oogenesis and tissue regeneration using the zebrafish model system. We have previously found that female zebrafish lacking function of the chromatin modifier Kdm2aa show a progressive oogenesis defect. Early embryos derived from these Kdm2aa-mutant females develop normally, however later clutches show increasingly worsening phenotypes. Additionally, Kdm2aa-mutant zebrafish of all ages have defects in tissue regeneration pointing to a role of chromatin maintenance in highly proliferative cell populations. We now seek to understand how Kdm2aa maintains oogenesis and enables normal tissue regeneration.
You will uncover the mechanistic basis of Kdm2aa’s function in these processes using cutting-edge functional genomics approaches as well as in vivo phenotyping techniques and microscopy. You will use and generate genomic datasets (e.g. RNA-seq, ATAC-seq) and have access to a large zebrafish mutant archive to support your project.
You will develop bioinformatics skills and gain experience in CRISPR/Cas9 genetic engineering, live microscopy, molecular biology, immunofluorescence and mRNA in situ hybridisation.
The Busch lab (buschlab.org) uses the zebrafish model to investigate the gene-regulatory underpinnings of development and disease with a focus on phenotypic robustness. We employ a combination of functional genomics, bioinformatics and in vivo approaches taking advantage of our large collection of zebrafish mutants. Co-supervisor Prof Viji Draviam has extensive experience in using high-resolution microscopy and molecular biology to study chromosome segregation and genomic stability.
All PhD students in my lab receive comprehensive training in molecular biology and bioinformatics as required. You will take part in a Researcher Development Programme to develop crucial skills such as applying for funding, presentation skills, supervision and networking to prepare for later career stages.
Find out more about the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences on our website.
We are looking for candidates to have or expecting to receive a first or upper-second class honours degree and a Master’s degree in an area relevant to the project such as developmental biology, stem cell biology, regeneration or bioinformatics.
Knowledge of high-resolution microscopy and associated techniques (immunofluorescence, in situ hybridisation) would be highly advantageous but are not required.
You must meet the IELTS requirements for your course and upload evidence before CSC’s application deadline, ideally by 1st March 2025. You are therefore strongly advised to sit an approved English Language test as soon as possible, where your IELTS test must still be valid when you enrol for the programme.
Please find further details on our English Language requirements page.
Formal applications must be submitted through our online form by 29th January 2025 for consideration. Please identify yourself as a ‘CSC Scholar’ in the funding section of the application.
Applicants are required to submit the following documents:
Find out more about our application process on our SBBS website.
Informal enquiries about the project can be sent to Dr Elisabeth Busch-Nentwich AT e.busch-nentwich@qmul.ac.uk Admissions-related queries can be sent to sbbs-pgadmissions@qmul.ac.uk
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for a formal interview by the supervisor. If you are successful in your QMUL application, then you will be issued an QMUL Offer Letter, conditional on securing a CSC scholarship along with academic conditions still required to meet our entry requirements.
Once applicants have obtained their QMUL Offer Letter, they should then apply to CSC for the scholarship with the support of the supervisor.
For further information, please go to the QMUL China Scholarship Council webpage.
Apply Online
Scahill CM, Digby Z, Sealy IM, Wojciechowska S, White RJ, Collins JE, et al. (2017) Loss of the chromatin modifier Kdm2aa causes BrafV600E-independent spontaneous melanoma in zebrafish. PLoS Genet 13(8): e1006959. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgen.1006959