Mechanisms shaping and protecting the genome in eggs and sperm
Not stated
- Funding
- Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
- Application deadline
- 1 December 2026
About the project
About the Project Every human egg and sperm carries a unique genetic sequence. This diversity is essential for evolution, but it arises through DNA damage and repair processes that also threaten genome integrity. Our research seeks to understand how the genomes of eggs and sperm are generated, and how the molecular processes that shape them create genetic variation while preserving genome stability. We combine large-scale human genomics with experimental model systems to uncover the underlying mechanisms, providing an integrated view of recombination, mutation, and genome maintenance. DPhil projects in the lab address fundamental questions in reproductive and genome biology, including: (i) how ageing drives the deterioration of human oocytes and contributes to fertility decline, and (ii) the molecular mechanisms that govern meiotic recombination.