Primate Genome Evolution

The majority of primate genomes are non-coding - approximately 2% represented by coding genes. A large remainder are represented by transposable elements (TEs). A great deal is known regarding the evolutionary dynamics of these genomic components and their impact on genome evolution in the great apes; little is known as to whether observations also apply to the smaller primates (timing of genome invasions, numbers of active TE families, impact on genome evolution including contribution of genes).

An abundant number of primate genomes are currently available due to sequencing technologies advances. An important addition to the datasets are those from the basal primates, such as the Lorisidae, amongst other smaller primates. There is growing interest in understanding the evolutionary history and genome evolution of the smaller primates. This allows us to look at questions relating to genome evolution over multiple timescales.

Director of Studies: Dr Ravinder Kanda

Other Supervisors: Prof Vincent Nijman

Do observations in larger primates hold across the primate order? We have two sequenced genomes of the slow loris to explore questions relating to genome evolution in this particular primate. The student would integrate this data with other genomes available from other small primates to answer fundamental questions relating to genome evolution.

This project will provide training at the nexus of bioinformatics, evolutionary biology, and population genetics. We seek an enthusiastic student with an interest in genomics as well as primate evolution.

This is a computational project. Applicants should have a computational UG degree with some experience of molecular/evolutionary genetics, or a molecular biology/genetics UG degree, with some experience of bioinformatics (familiarity with Python, R, Linux).

There is an additional requirement to undertake up to 6 hours undergraduate teaching/week during semesters and to participate in a teaching skills course without further remuneration.