Fixed-term

Determining how transcription and replication are coordinated during S-phase

Details RNA Pol II transcription and DNA replication are the two essential processes that use the DNA in our cells as a substrate. However, DNA can be engaged only by one of these processes at any given time, and when transcription impairs DNA replication it can induce DNA damage and genome instability. We have shown that transcription activity is transiently reduced to support the replication of genes. We have also identified two separate mechanisms that cells use to regulate transcription activity, that occur in different moments during S-phase transcription and involve separate regulatory mechanisms. Interestingly, one of these occurs only on genes in proximity of the replication fork in early S-phase and alters transcription regulation for several hours. Importantly, both depend on the activity of essential DNA damage checkpoint kinases. Aims of the project: We are now interested in investigating how cells regulate transcription activity, using a combination of genome-wide and functional assays: i) Identifying targets and mechanisms through which cells regulate in a timely manner transcription activity as replication forks progress through the genome. ii) Determining the consequences for genome stability from the lack of regulation of transcription activity when genes are replicated. iii) Defining the global impact on transcription activity and chromatin re-establishment if transcription is not properly regulated. Funding Notes Self funded applicants only. References Wang et al., Persistence of RNA transcription during DNA replication delays duplication of transcription start sites until G2/M. Cell Reports 2021.Wang et al., Protocol for analysis of G2/M DNA synthesis in human cells. STAR Protocols 2021.Scaramuzza et al. TRAIP resolves DNA replication-transcription conflicts during the S-phase of unperturbed cells. Nat Comms 2023.Rojas et al., Genome-wide identification of replication fork stalling/pausing sites and the interplay between RNA Pol II transcription and DNA replication progression. Genome Biology 2024. Apply Now

Improving the solvent tolerance of E. coli by understanding the rules of accumulation

Details Gram negative bacteria such as E. coli use two main mechanisms to survive in the presence of a range of toxic molecules such as antibiotics, biocides, and solvents. First, their envelope prevents entry of these molecules. Second, efflux pumps actively pump toxic molecules outside of the cell. Together, these mechanisms limit intracellular accumulation and so allow bacteria to resist toxicity. We have recently discovered that bacteria preferentially use these two mechanisms at different times; efflux pumps are more important in rapid growth, whereas the envelope barrier predominates in slower growth [1]. This PhD project seeks to leverage our new understanding of the ways in which bacteria control accumulation of toxic molecules to improve solvent tolerance in E. coli. There is an urgent need to develop new sustainable processes to make a range of chemicals, allowing us to move away from crude oil as a precursor of products such as plastics, fuels, and pharmaceuticals. One way to achieve this is using bacteria to transform waste materials into useful chemicals and products. However, yields of many organic chemical products are low, in part due to their toxicity to bacteria. If we understand how accumulation can be limited, we can engineer bacteria to become more solvent-tolerant and thereby generate higher yields of useful products [2]. The project supervisory team comprises Tim Overton (microbial physiology, bioprocessing), Sara Jabbari (mathematical modelling) and Jess Blair (efflux pumps, antimicrobial resistance), each of whom will bring their expertise to guide the project. The exact scope of the project will be guided by the student. We will start by understanding how solvents enter and leave bacterial cells, and how solvents affect bacterial physiology. Later stages of the project could combine microbiology with quantitative modelling, engineer bacterial strains with improved solvent tolerance, or develop intensified bioreactor processes, depending upon your interests. Final stages will compare our starting conditions with our new improved process or strains. You will be working in a large supportive multidisciplinary team that spans four UK institutions (Birmingham, Imperial College, Nottingham, and Quadram) as part of the major BBSRC-funded sLoLa BARRIΣR project investigating mechanisms of antimicrobial accumulation in bacteria. There will be opportunities to collaborate more broadly and develop expertise across this group. Applicants should have or expect to obtain at least an Upper Second-Class Honours Degree in a relevant subject such as life or physical sciences. Please note that this advert may close earlier than the stated closing date if sufficient strong applications are received. Interested candidates should contact Tim Overton via t.w.overton@bham.ac.uk for informal enquiries, and before applying should provide a CV, referee’s and cover letter summarising their research interests and previous experience. Funding Notes This project is funded by the University of Birmingham and is open to UK students only. References 1. Whittle EE, McNeil HE, Trampari E, Webber M, Overton TW, Blair JMA. Efflux Impacts Intracellular Accumulation Only in Actively Growing Bacterial Cells. mBio. 2021 Oct 26;12(5):e0260821. doi: 10.1128/mBio.02608-21.2. Yang D, Prabowo CPS, Eun H, Park SY, Cho IJ, Jiao S, Lee SY. Escherichia coli as a platform microbial host for systems metabolic engineering. Essays Biochem. 2021 Jul 26;65(2):225-246. doi: 10.1042/EBC20200172.   Apply Now

Mitochondrial DNA repair

Details Applications are invited for a fully funded PhD studentship in Professor Hansong Ma’s laboratory within the School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham. The successful candidate will investigate the mechanisms governing mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) transmission and maintenance. The project will combine genetic, cell biological, and molecular approaches using both Drosophila and human cell models to uncover the fundamental principles that regulate mtDNA inheritance and stability. Further information about the research programme can be found on the Ma Lab website: themalab.co.uk. The studentship provides: Tuition fees at the UK home student rate. A tax-free maintenance stipend for four years at the current UKRI rate. Applications from international students are warmly welcomed. Please note that the studentship covers tuition fees at the UK home rate only; international applicants will be responsible for paying the difference between the home and international tuition fees. To apply, please email Professor Hansong Ma at h.ma.6@bham.ac.uk with: -A current CV. -A cover letter outlining your research interests, relevant experience, and motivation for applying. The studentship is expected to commence in 2027. Main subject areas of your project (These subject areas correspond to the catergories listed on the FindAPhD and Jobs.ac.uk websites.): Biological Sciences Choose your subjects: Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Genetics, Genomics, Molecular Biology, Molecular Genetics Funding Notes The studentship provides: Tuition fees at the UK home student rate. A tax-free maintenance stipend for four years at the current UKRI rate. Apply Now

Developmental Biophysics and Bioengineering of Ciliated Tissues

About the Project We invite applications from candidates eligible for UK student status for a PhD project investigating how mechanical forces contribute to development, and how these principles can be harnessed to inspire engineering solutions for tissue repair and regenerative medicine. Candidates with either experimental or theoretical backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The project will focus on ciliated tissues, such as those lining the airways, where microscopic hair‑like structures called cilia beat in a coordinated manner to generate fluid flow and transport mucus. While these systems are essential for physiological function, how they self‑organise during development to establish robust, large‑scale fluid flows remains poorly understood. This project will investigate how mechanical forces, fluid flow, and mechanotransduction drive the self‑organisation of ciliated tissues during development and wound healing. Together, we will combine quantitative experiments and mathematical modelling to uncover the physical principles underlying fluid transport in developing tissues, with relevance to tissue repair and regenerative medicine. Who should apply? Applicants from biology, physics, engineering, mathematics, or related disciplines are encouraged to apply. Both students with experimental and/or quantitative experience are welcome.   Ideal for students interested in: ·        bioengineering ·        biosciences ·        biophysics ·        cell mechanics ·        fluid dynamics Training includes: ·        quantitative live imaging; image analysis ·        biophysical experiments, including biophysical manipulation of Xenopus embryos ·        computational modelling ·        microfabrication and 3D printing Research environment Based at Durham University, you will join a collaborative environment spanning Engineering, Biosciences, and the Durham Biophysical Sciences Institute. You will have access to state-of-the-art imaging, fabrication, and interdisciplinary research facilities. Funding Notes This PhD studentship is for four years and is available to home students only. The funding covers a tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate and the full tuition fees at the home rate. If you are interested in applying, in the first instance contact the supervisor (Francesco Boselli, francesco.boselli@durham.ac.uk), detailing your reasons for applying for the project, as soon as possible, by no later than Friday 31st July, 2026. The position will be closed as soon as it is filled.

PDRA (Vascular electrophysiology and Small Vessel Diseases of the Brain)

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team as a postdoctoral research associate. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the newly established NaVigate programme to develop treatment options for Alzheimer’s Disease and other small vessel diseases of the brain. The position will be initially available for 3 years, with the possibility of extending up to 5 years. The research will be carried out in the Microvascular@Manchester group (microvascularmanchester.com) under the guidance of Professor Adam Greenstein and Dr Harry Pritchard. The post will be based within the Division of Cardiovascular Sciences at the University of Manchester and the Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre. You will be responsible for: Leading research into the mechanisms underlying hypertension-related and amyloid-induced changes to cerebral small artery vascular smooth muscle cell and endothelial cell ion channel activity To prepare material for publications and conference presentations. To write reports for submission to research sponsors and partake in relevant meetings. To be an active team-member and set positive examples by showing a commitment to achieving results, encouraging and supporting junior members of the team and raising suggestions for continuous improvement. We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work. About You We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate: Essential Criteria: Have, or be about to obtain, a PhD (or equivalent) in biophysics and membrane biology (or similar) Extensive and up-to-date understanding of ion channel biophysics. Hands-on experience in native (freshly isolated) single cell patch clamp electrophysiology with competence in hardware and software assembly, maintenance and data analysis Experience with animal models Strong journal publication record. Desirable Criteria: Experience and understanding of cardiovascular physiology, preferably in the field of small artery biology. Cardiovascular, particularly microvascular, patch clamp expertise. Flexible approach to dealing with research problems as they arise Willingness to learn and develop Ability to assess and organise resources We value transferable skills and real-world experience as much as formal qualifications. Our benefits include:• Generous employer contribution pension• 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure• Ride to work and EV car scheme available For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here. We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community where we are able, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, express new ideas and explore controversial or unpopular topics and opinions. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy. Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews Name: Professor Adam Greenstein Email Address: adam.greenstein@manchester.ac.uk General enquiries and administrative support recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk Technical and job portal support https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must demonstrate the right to work in the UK. Applications close at midnight on the closing date. Further particulars (with person specification) linked below. Supporting Documents Research Associate Grade 6 fps – Patch clamp (PDF, KB) Apply Now

Research Technician (BMH-031971)

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team as a Research Technician to provide specialist technical support for research programmes investigating the vascular mechanisms of dementia and other brain disorders. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to internationally recognised research by undertaking and optimising laboratory experiments, supporting the operation of advanced research equipment, and helping generate high-quality experimental data. Working closely with researchers, students and technical colleagues, you will play an important role in supporting safe, efficient and effective laboratory-based research, within a dynamic and inclusive environment. You will be responsible for: Supporting research animal model maintenance and undertaking microdissection of arteries. Performing and optimising experimental protocols, including antibody-based imaging using confocal and super-resolution microscopy. Undertaking pressure myography and calcium imaging of small arteries, and supporting staff and students with standard laboratory protocols. Training junior technicians and PhD students in relevant laboratory techniques, including myography. Maintaining accurate records, supporting data preparation for presentations and publications, contributing to experimental design, and ensuring work is carried out in line with health and safety, data protection and University requirements. We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work. About You We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate: Essential Criteria: A relevant biological sciences qualification, or equivalent qualifications and substantial experience working in a research laboratory. Extensive hands-on experience of small artery physiology and immunohistochemistry in a laboratory-based dementia research setting. Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage a complex workload, prioritise competing demands and work to deadlines without direct supervision. Excellent communication, analytical and problem-solving skills, with a high level of accuracy, attention to detail and reproducibility in laboratory work. Desirable Criteria: Experience using Word, Excel and PowerPoint, with experience of ImageJ and/or IMARIS also beneficial. A flexible approach to working hours where required to monitor procedures or experiments. We value transferable skills and real-world experience as much as formal qualifications. Our benefits include: Generous employer pension contribution Christmas closure across all departments outside of annual leave and bank holidays Purple Place employee discount platform For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here. We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community where we are able, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, express new ideas and explore controversial or unpopular topics and opinions. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy. Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews Name: Adam Greenstein Email Address: adam.greenstein@manchester.ac.uk General enquiries and administrative support recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk Technical and job portal support https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must demonstrate the right to work in the UK. Applications close at midnight on the closing date. Further particulars (with person specification) linked below. Supporting Documents BMH-031971 – Research technician – FPs (PDF, KB) Apply Now

Cardiovascular Research Fellow

About Us The School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Medicine & Sciences (SCMMS) provides an outstanding multi-disciplinary environment for the pursuit of cutting-edge cardiovascular and metabolic research (https://www.kcl.ac.uk/scms).   We study the fundamental molecular, cellular, and physiological processes that underly normal and abnormal cardiovascular and metabolic function and we drive the translation of this strong basic science into advances in clinical practice to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment.  This activity provides a high-quality research and training environment for non-clinical and clinical scientists. The School occupies facilities across the Guy’s, St Thomas’ and Denmark Hill campuses of King’s College London and comprises over 65 academic groups, hosting 400 staff and 110 PhD students.  Our community of world-renowned researchers and educators have access to a state-of-the art core facilities and expertise, including for high-throughput screening, multimodality in vivo imaging, proteomics, integrative physiology and viral & non-viral vector production. As part of King’s Health Partners, we have an excellent environment for basic-clinical interaction and a strong focus on mentoring and career development.  The School is a partner of the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Guy’s and St. Thomas’, which offers world class facilities for translational studies and phase I/II clinical trials. The post is based within the School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine & Sciences at the Southbank Campus.  The School and these Centres provide an outstanding highly multidisciplinary environment with state-of-the-art equipment, facilities and technical support for both laboratory work and animal studies.  About The Role A position is available for a Cardiovascular Research Fellow (Cardiac Physiologist / Clinical Scientist) within the School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine & Sciences at King’s College London. This jointly funded post between King’s College London and Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust is embedded within one of the UK’s leading echocardiography research groups. The role offers a unique combination of clinical service delivery and academic research, providing an excellent opportunity for both professional and academic development. The successful candidate will perform and independently report clinical echocardiography examinations to British Society of Echocardiography (BSE) standards. They will lead research clinics jointly overseen by the Echocardiography Department at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust (clinical governance) and the Department of Clinical Pharmacology at King’s College London (academic governance), including but not limited to Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy (CRT) Optimisation and Inherited Cardiac Conditions clinics. The post holder will also undertake vascular and other physiological assessments in accordance with research study protocols. BSE Adult Transthoracic Echocardiography Accreditation (or an equivalent qualification) is an essential requirement for this role. Working under the supervision of Dr Haotian Gu (Principal Investigator), the post holder will contribute to the NIHR-funded EFFECT-CRT study, the British Heart Foundation-funded EF1 in CRT study, and other research projects led by the Guy’s and St Thomas’ Cardiovascular Research & Development team. Academic responsibilities will include supporting study coordination, data management and analysis, and the preparation of reports, presentations, and scientific publications. The post will be primarily based at the Clinical Research Facility, St Thomas’ Hospital, London, with travel to other study sites required as part of the research programme. This is a full-time post (40 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed term contract for two years from start of contract. About You To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:  Essential criteria BSc or equivalent in a subject relevant to cardiovascular research   British Society of Echocardiography Adult Transthoracic Echocardiography Accreditation or equivalent   Clinical echocardiographic experience – equivalent to NHS Band 7  Knowledge of cardiovascular physiology   Good written and presentation skills  Good IT skills  Desirable criteria Post-graduate qualification or PhD in a subject relevant to cardiovascular research  Experience in cardiovascular research management  Experience in grant application   Experience in conference presentation  Experience in research publication  Downloading a copy of our Job Description Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the page. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.   Further Information At King’s, we believe that the diversity of our community and a culture that is welcoming, open, inclusive and collaborative, are great strengths of the university. The Equality Act of 2010 protects the rights of our students and staff and provides a framework to fulfil our duties to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and in addition, to advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations between those who share a protected characteristic and those who do not. At times, this will include balancing rights and beliefs that can feel in tension. We are committed to free speech and to academic freedom, believing that our foundational purpose as a university, is to create spaces where a wide range of ideas, including ideas that are controversial, can be discussed and debated, and where members of our community can express lawful views without fear of intimidation, harassment or discrimination. When engaging in the robust exchange of ideas, we ask that our community is mindful of our Dignity at King’s guidance. We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the person specification section of the job description. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible. To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our ‘How we Recruit’ pages. Apply Now

Application for Full Time PhD Studentship: Leveraging zebrafish models to investigate neurovascular interactions in paediatric glioma

Details The UCL Cancer Institute is the hub for cancer research at University College London, one of the world’s leading universities. We bring together a large community of scientists working to translate fundamental discoveries in cancer biology into kinder and more effective therapies for patients. This studentship is part of the UCL–Edinburgh CRUK Glioma Brain Tumour Centre of Excellence, an interdisciplinary research network dedicated to understanding glioma biology and developing new translational approaches for children and young people affected by brain tumours. About the role We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join an exciting Cancer Research UK-funded project investigating how paediatric glioma cells interact with the neurovascular microenvironment during tumour growth, invasion and response to treatment. The project will focus on diffuse midline glioma (DMG), one of the most challenging childhood brain cancers. Working under the supervision of Professor Simona Parrinello and Dr Ivan Bassi, you will develop and apply zebrafish models to study tumour–neurovascular interactions in vivo. The project combines advanced live imaging, quantitative image analysis, molecular and cell biology techniques, genetic manipulation, and analysis of single-cell and spatial transcriptomic datasets to identify mechanisms driving tumour progression and therapy resistance. The successful candidate will contribute to generating new insights into paediatric glioma biology and identifying potential therapeutic vulnerabilities. How to Apply Submit the following by 28th July 2026 (using the apply button): CV including: Contact details of two referees (one academic). A short statement explaining how your experience aligns with the project and person specification. Academic transcripts and certificates (PDF format). Include official English translations if applicable. Please note that UK students start date is October 2026 and International student will be February 2027. About you You will have, or be expecting to obtain, a UK Master’s degree or a First or Upper Second Class Bachelor’s degree (or overseas equivalent) in biological sciences, biomedical sciences, neuroscience, cancer biology, developmental biology, or a related discipline. You will possess a strong interest in cancer research, paediatric brain tumours, developmental biology, vascular biology, neuroscience, or related fields. You should have experience of laboratory-based research and an understanding of molecular and/or cell biology principles. We are looking for someone with excellent organisational and communication skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research environment. Experience in areas such as cell culture, fluorescence microscopy, quantitative image analysis, zebrafish models, cancer biology or neuroscience would be advantageous but is not essential. What we offer This is a full time fully funded 4 year PhD studentship funded by Cancer Research UK, successful candidates will receive a non-taxable annual stipend of £24,643 covering tuition fees and meet UCL PhD admissions criteria. Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people. Our division holds an Athena SWAN Gold award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality. You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/ APPLY HERE

PhD studentship in Translational Omics Research at the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health

About us A three-year PhD studentship funded by Cure DHDDS is available from 1 October 2026, in the Translational Omics Research Group at the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health. This project will be under the supervision of Professor Kevin Mills, Dr Jenny Hällqvist, Dr Wendy Heywood and Professor Philippa Mills. This project will define how impaired dolichol biosynthesis disrupts glycosylation, protein handling and cellular quality control in DHDDS deficiency. By measuring these processes dynamically with stable isotope tracers and mass spectrometry, the study aims to convert a poorly understood rare disease into a measurable pathway for biomarker discovery, functional diagnostics and therapeutic target identification. The student will use cutting edge stable isotope tracing, proteomics, lipidomics and state of the art mass spectrometry to build a dynamic cellular model of DHDDS deficiency. This model will track dolichol metabolism, lipid flux, glycoprotein synthesis, protein folding and cellular quality control in real time. During a PhD we aim to create a platform for disease mechanism discovery, new biomarker development, functional diagnostics and future therapeutic testing. The student will work at the interface of rare disease biology, neuronal cell models, iPSC derived organoids, translational omics and therapeutic discovery. The project will be based in a highly active translational omics laboratory of around 25 researchers with expertise in mass spectrometry, proteomics, metabolomics, lipidomics, rare disease diagnostics and biomarker translation. The group has helped deliver major translational programmes including mass spectrometry testing during the COVID 19 pandemic and the development of the first blood test for Parkinson’s disease. About the role Background DHDDS deficiency is a rare and devastating congenital disorder of glycosylation. It affects dolichol biosynthesis, a core biochemical pathway required for normal protein glycosylation. Despite this, patients often do not show the classical transferrin isoelectric focusing pattern that usually reveals defective glycoprotein synthesis in CDG. This creates a major biological and clinical puzzle. The disease is clearly driven by a defect in glycosylation biology yet the standard diagnostic readout can appear relatively normal. This suggests that DHDDS deficiency may cause a more subtle, neuronal specific and dynamic failure of glycosylation, protein folding, trafficking and degradation. These hidden defects may be largely invisible in plasma but highly damaging in neuronal cells. This PhD will tackle that problem directly. By combining stable isotope tracers with high resolution omics and advanced cellular models, the student will measure the movement of metabolites, lipids and proteins through the pathway rather than relying only on static measurements. This will allow the disease process to be watched as it happens. Hypothesis and aims We hypothesise that DHDDS deficiency causes a dynamic failure of dolichol driven glycosylation and protein quality control that is not fully captured by conventional CDG testing. The project will test whether impaired dolichol metabolism disrupts glycoprotein synthesis, protein folding, trafficking and degradation in neuronal and hepatic cell systems. The student will use stable isotope tracers to quantify pathway flux in real time and define the biochemical signature of DHDDS deficiency. The aims are to build a functional cellular model of DHDDS deficiency, identify disease relevant biomarkers, define the hidden mechanisms linking DHDDS dysfunction to neuronal injury and create a platform for testing candidate therapeutic strategies. Research outputs The project will deliver a stable isotope based cellular model of DHDDS deficiency that can measure dolichol flux, glycoprotein synthesis, protein folding, trafficking and degradation in real time. It will generate new mechanistic insight into why DHDDS patients lack the classical CDG isoelectric focusing pattern and will identify biochemical markers that better reflect disease activity. The work will also create a platform for testing candidate therapies in neuronal, hepatic and iPSC derived organoid systems. Expected outputs include targeted mass spectrometry assays, lipidomic and proteomic datasets, mechanistic pathway models, PhD publications, conference presentations and a translational workflow that could be developed into a future functional diagnostic test.   Policy-outputs The policy output is a new model for how ultra rare genetic diseases should be moved beyond diagnosis by sequencing alone. This work could support a shift toward functional biochemical testing in CDG, helping clinicians measure disease activity, monitor treatment response and design biomarker driven trials. In the longer term it could inform NHS rare disease pathways, trial readiness frameworks and orphan therapy development by showing how a hidden cellular defect can be converted into a measurable diagnostic and therapeutic readout. About you Applicants should have a keen research interest in metabolism and neurodegeneration but especially in the omic techniques of proteomics and lipidomics. Applicants should have a minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor’s degree and/or a Master’s degree (preferably with a merit or distinction) in a biological sciences preferably biochemistry. What we offer This studentship provides a starting stipend of £23,805 per annum and covers the cost of Home and Overseas tuition fees. The studentship does not cover the costs of the Student Visa application and Immigration Health Surcharge. Funding is not provided for paid parental and medical leave. Unpaid interruptions can be requested and may be supported. How to apply Enquiries regarding the post can be made to Enquiries regarding the post can be made to Professor Kevin Mills (kevin.mills@ucl.ac.uk) To apply, please send a current CV including the contact details of two professional referees as well as a 1-sided A4 cover letter to Professor Kevin Mills (kevin.mills@ucl.ac.uk) Closing date for applications: 28 July 2026. Interview date: 10 August 2026 Applications that are submitted without following the correct application process will not be considered. The successful applicant will then be required to apply to and register on the Child Health research degree to take up the studentship. Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.

PhD Position in Plant Reproductive Genetics and Genome Engineering

Curious how plants reproduce, form clonal seeds or persist for generations as forever hybrid allopolyploids? Discover the answers in this PhD project. The domestication of certain plant species by humans thousands of years ago is intertwined with the establishment of agricultural systems and civilisations. The plant species that were domesticated were selected to some extent by chance and circumstance. Modern agriculture harnesses the inherent vigour of hybrid plants to ensure productive crops that are robust to abiotic and biotic stresses. The simultaneous engineering of trait and reproductive pathways to develop novel hybrid species with excellent agronomic characters by design is a promising yet underexplored area of plant breeding research.   In this PhD project, you will combine genetics, genomics and genome engineering to understand the fundamental pathways of plant reproduction. You will contribute to the development of innovative plant breeding technologies that will shape the future of agriculture. You will combine laboratory work with computational data analysis and collaborate with international partners on ground-breaking genetic and genomic research. Your teaching load may be up to 10% of your working time. Would you like to learn more about what it’s like to pursue a PhD at Radboud University? Visit the page about working as a PhD candidate.  Does this sound like you? You hold an MSc degree in biology, biotechnology, bioinfomatics or a related field. You have a strong interest in genetics, plant reproduction, molecular biology and chromosome structure. You have hands-on experience with R or another programming language. Desirable skills: You have experience with microscopy, molecular biology techniques and/or plant tissue culture. You have experience with genomics data analysis. You are interested in developing your teaching skills What we offer you We will give you a temporary employment contract (1.0 FTE) of 1.5 years, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, your contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4-year contract).      You will receive a starting salary of €3,059 gross per month based on a 38-hour working week, which will increase to €3,881 in the fourth year (salary scale P). You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus. You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20.  Additional employment conditions Work and science require good employment practices. Radboud University’s primary and secondary employment conditions reflect this. You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself. For example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports membership. In addition, you receive a 34% discount on the sports and cultural activities at Radboud University as an employee. And, of course, we offer a good pension plan. We also give you plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore, we provide various training and development schemes. Where you will be working The world is facing unprecedented challenges that are leading to a loss of species diversity and pressure on the performance of natural ecosystems and farming systems worldwide. With its overarching mission ’Towards Healthy Ecosystems’, the Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences (RIBES) aims to perform world-leading biological research across scales, from genes to cells all the way to populations and ecosystems. The RIBES department of Plant & Animal Biology is currently expanding its research and education portfolio in the field of crop biotechnology to strengthen its impact on society. The crop biotechnology research line combines high-level expertise in the areas of plant genome engineering, meiosis and reproduction, and crop genomics and crop physiology. Faculty of ScienceThe Faculty of Science (FNWI), part of Radboud University, engages in groundbreaking research and excellent education. In doing so, we push the boundaries of scientific knowledge and pass that knowledge on to the next generation. We seek solutions to major societal challenges, such as cybercrime and climate change and work on major scientific challenges, such as those in the quantum world. At the same time, we prepare our students for careers both within and outside the scientific field. Currently, more than 1,300 colleagues contribute to research and education, some as researchers and lecturers, others as technical and administrative support officers. The faculty has a strong international character with staff from more than 70 countries. Together, we work in an informal, accessible and welcoming environment, with attention and space for personal and professional development for all. Radboud UniversityAt Radboud University, we aim to make an impact through our work. We achieve this by conducting groundbreaking research, providing high-quality education, offering excellent support, and fostering collaborations within and outside the university. In doing so, we contribute indispensably to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. To accomplish this, we need even more colleagues who, based on their expertise, are willing to search for answers. We advocate for an inclusive community and welcome employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. If you want to learn more about working at Radboud University, follow our Instagram account and read stories from our colleagues.   Is this the job for you? You can apply only via the button below. Address your letter of application to Charles Underwood. In the application form, you will find which documents you need to include with your application. Please ensure that your motivation letter clearly explains what excites you about joining the host lab, and that your CV includes your (expected) graduation GPA for both your BSc and MSc. We look forward to receiving your application. The first interviews will take place on Monday 17 August. You will preferably start your employment on 1 November 2026. We can imagine you’re curious about our application procedure. It describes what you can expect during the application procedure and how we handle your personal data and internal and external candidates.  Application Form

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