DNA replication ‘traffic jams’ and their impact on genomic stability

Have you ever been stuck in traffic and relied on your phone to find a faster route? Inside our cells, a similar problem happens when DNA is being replicated. However, unlike cars, DNA cannot take a detour. Instead, the roadblocks need to be removed by specialised mechanisms to prevent damage. We are interested in DNA shapes called G-quadruplexes, which are important for normal cell function, but if not properly maintained they can stall DNA replication and have a negative impact on genomic stability. The student will develop high-throughput experimental and computational tools to study these DNA structures, gaining hands-on experience preparing DNA samples, running biophysical experiments, and analysing results. The pilot data generated from this project will also contribute to an ongoing BBSRC-funded PhD project, meaning your work will directly support active research. The student will be part of a welcoming research community within the Wu Lab, the School, and the Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, which brings together researchers from different scientific backgrounds. Students will need to find their own accommodation and be expected to present their findings orally at a research day in York on 08th September 2026.