Epigenetic regulation by MORC proteins

About the project

About the Project At any point, only a small fraction of the genome is active. Much of the genome, need to be silenced at all times. MORC proteins are epigenetic repressors that have repress transposable elements in animals and compact heterochromatin regions in plants. However how they exert their repressive mechanisms is unclear. In this project, MORC proteins from different species will be purified and studied using biochemical and biophysical assays. We aim to discover a unifying mechanism for gene repression by the MORC family of proteins. Criteria All applicants must possess at least four years of undergraduate study or three years of undergraduate study with a Masters degree. For Research Scholarships, candidates must have obtained a Bachelor’s degree with at least 2nd Class Upper Honours, or its equivalent. We consider an applicant's Grade Point Average (GPA) an important factor in assessing their suitability. As the medium of instruction at NUS is in English, applicants whose native tongue or medium of undergraduate instruction is not English, should submit TOEFL/IELTS (Academic Test) scores as evidence of their proficiency in the English Language. The minimum TOEFL score is 580 (Paper-based Test), 260 (Computer-based Test) and 85 (Internet-based Test). The minimum IELTS score is 6. Candidates are strongly encouraged to submit GRE (minimum score of 320 [Verbal+ Quantitative] and 3.5 [Analytical Writing]). You may apply via Graduate Admission Systems (GDA3) at https://gradapp.nus.edu.sg/apply . The next intake is for August 2027. Please apply from 16 May 2026 onwards. Please submit the required documents (transcript, TOEFL) via online before 15 November 2026 ((based on Singapore Time (SGT), UTC +8)). We highly encourage you to submit the required documents preferably before the end of October 2026. This will allow us to evaluate your dossier in advance and ensure a smoother process moving forward. Kindly prepare the following documents/item to upload in the application system: Singapore NRIC (for Singapore Citizens or Singapore PRs); Passport information page (for International applicants) Certified true copy of official Bachelor’s or Master’s transcript (with the grading scale provided) Certified true copy of official Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree certificate Other academic certificates (if applicable) Valid TOEFL/IELTS score Applicants whose native tongue and medium of university instruction is not completely in English should upload the official score sheet of TOEFL (≥85) or IELTS (≥ 6.0) as evidence of their proficiency in the English language. TOEFL/ IELTS scores are valid for 2 years from the test date and should not have expired at point of application. Expired scores will not be considered for the application. A certified copy of GRE (Candidates are strongly encouraged to submit GRE) Two academic referee reports CV A summary of your education, work experience, co-curricular activities, community service, etc. Personal Statement of around 2 pages. You may include your broad research interests, previous research accomplishments and personal vision of future career. Financial Statement or Sponsorship Letter (if you have opted for ‘Self-Finance’ at point of application) List of publication details: The number of papers you have published, Whether you are the first author or a co-author for each of your publications, Whether the journals are local, regional or international Passport size photograph following the specifications listed here Information on scholarships and financial aid is available at: https://nusgs.nus.edu.sg/scholarships/ https://nusgs.nus.edu.sg/financial-aid/ Go to 'Staffs', then ‘Faculty by Research” and you will be able to see the research areas of our academic staff. http://www.dbs.nus.edu.sg Tuition Fee: https://www.nus.edu.sg/registrar/administrative-policies-procedures/graduate/graduate-fees Department Code for GRE: https://www.science.nus.edu.sg/admissions/graduates/research-programmes/frequently-asked-questions/

Research areas