Fixed-term

Ph.D position in the project “Amphibian skin microbiomes and infection diseases”

/

Project description  How microbes influence the ecology and evolution of host organisms is a fundamental question in biology. Microbiome can have a strong impact on behavior, health, and immune responses of the host. In response to changing temperatures, the health status of host populations can be influenced by host microbiomes. Broad-scale studies have shown that skin microbiome composition of amphibians changes along latitudinal gradients, and microbiome composition can be disrupted by temperature and infections. However, large-scale studies examining microbiome interactions in wild amphibians remain scarce at Swedish and global scales. The phD candidate will work on the project “Amphibian skin microbiomes and infection diseases”, within the group of Maria Cortazar Chinarro at the Department of Ecology and Genetics. The position is fully funded for four years. More information about her research can be found here: https://www.uu.se/institution/ekologi-och-genetik/forskning/zooekologi/cortazar-chinarros-grupp This Phd project aims to explore skin microbiome diversity and composition across populations and at regional scales and broad-scale latitudinal gradients. High-quality metagenomic resources from the skin of both common and endangered amphibian species will be generated to infer phylogenetic relationships and examine how host evolutionary history, genetic variation, environmental (abiotic) factors, and infectious diseases shape host–skin microbiome interactions. To investigate these relationships, the project will characterize the skin microbiome composition—including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protists—using an integrative approach that combines metabarcoding, metagenomics, and population genomics methods. Throughout the doctoral programme, the student will apply a wide range of bioinformatic methods and sequencing approaches, including amplicon sequencing analyses, shotgun metagenomics, and metatranscriptomics. The project will also involve extensive fieldwork and molecular laboratory work to generate high-quality sequencing data. Duties At the start of the PhD project, the selected candidate will be responsible for organizing, coordinating, and conducting regional- and broad-scale fieldwork, as well as molecular laboratory work. This will include DNA and RNA extractions and the preparation of samples for sequencing, such as constructing amplicon and metagenomic libraries for short-read (Illumina) and long-read (PacBio/Nanopore) sequencing. In the later stages of the PhD, and depending on the amount of high-quality data generated, the availability of existing pathogen resources, and the student’s interests, the project may expand to investigate newly emerging diseases and develop technologies to detect them in wild amphibian populations. PhD-students at IEG are encouraged to enroll in teaching The levels and content of teaching depend on the availability of teaching duties and the interests of the student, but will in general not exceed 20% of full-time employment and mainly consist of teaching assistant roles in different undergraduate courses offered by the biology section. The candidate is expected to actively participate in the daily activities of the research group and in programme and departmental events, such as departmental and programme seminars, as well as internal networking meetings and conferences. Qualifications required To meet the entry requirements for doctoral studies, you must: hold a Master’s (second-cycle) degree in Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Conservation Biology or related field. have completed at least 240 credits in higher education with at least 60 credits at Master’s level including an independent project worth at least 15 credits, or have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way. The successful candidate holds a Master’s degree in evolutionary ecology or a closely related field, with a strong background in host-parasite evolution and genomics. Proficiency in bioinformatic analyses, including population genomics and metagenomics, is required, as is demonstrated experience with molecular laboratory techniques and high-throughput sequencing data. A valid driving licence (type B) is mandatory, as the position involves ecological fieldwork at sites that may not be accessible by public transport. Qualifications desired Experience with microbiome analyses and ecological fieldwork is considered an advantage. Given the collaborative nature of the project, we place importance on strong teamwork, communication, and interpersonal skills. We also value personal qualities such as curiosity, initiative, responsibility, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a research team Additional skills, such experimental evolution work on infection diseases will be considered advantageous. About the employment The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 §7. Scope of employment: full-time. Starting date 2026-10-01 or as agreed. Location: Uppsala. For further information about the position, please contact Researcher, Group Leader, Maria Cortazar Chinarro, maria.cortazar@ebc.uu.se. Application instructions The application should include 1) a letter describing yourself, your research interests, why you want to pursue a Ph.D., and why you are suitable for the position (maximum of 2 pages), 2) your CV, 3) a brief description of your education, 4) a copy of your master’s degree and your course grades, along with a copy of your master’s thesis, 5) names and contact details of at least two referees (email addresses and phone numbers), and 6) any publications if applicable. The application should be written in English. You are welcome to submit your application no later than May 31, 2026. UFV-PA 2026/844. Apply Now

Position of Assistant Professor in prokaryotic microbiology with focus on molecular processes

/

The Department of Molecular Biosciences, Wenner-Grens Institute (MBW) conducts experimental basic research in molecular cell biology, integrative biology and infection and immunobiology. The research is characterized by a modern and advanced methodology and the research environment has a strong international profile and is connected to SciLifeLab (Solna). The department offers education at undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate levels. MBW is one of the larger departments within the Faculty of Science at Stockholm University with 30 research groups and approximately 180 employees, of which approximately 50 are doctoral students. Read more about MBW at www.su.se/mbw . Stockholm University conducts internationally competitive research in molecular microbiology. MBW intends to strengthen and further develop its research and education in this area. The successful candidate is expected to lead a research group in molecular microbiology and establish internationally competitive experimental research with the goal of understanding molecular processes in prokaryotic cells and/or cell interactions. Subject Prokaryotic microbiology with a focus on molecular processes Subject description Prokaryotic microbiology encompasses the study of molecular processes in prokaryotic cells and/or cell interactions. Job duties Research as well as some teaching and supervision. Eligibility requirements Eligible for employment as an assistant lecturer are those who have completed a doctoral degree or have a foreign degree that is considered equivalent to a doctoral degree. Those who have completed such a degree no more than seven years before the application deadline should be considered. However, those who have completed such a degree earlier may also be considered if there are special reasons. Special reasons refer to leave due to illness, parental leave or other similar circumstances. All teaching positions at Stockholm University require that the applicant has the ability to collaborate and is otherwise suitable to fulfill the duties. Assessment criteria Special emphasis is placed on scientific proficiency. Some emphasis is also placed on pedagogical proficiency. Scientific proficiency will primarily be assessed within the subject area of ​​the position. About the employment The employment form of assistant lecturer is part of the university’s career path (“tenure track”) and is regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (SFS 2024:673). For this position, the assistant lecturer is employed until further notice, but for a maximum of six years. The position can be extended to a maximum of eight years if there are special reasons. Special reasons can be, for example, sick leave or parental leave. After application and review, the assistant lecturer may be promoted to permanent employment as a senior lecturer. Specific criteria for promotion from assistant lecturer to senior lecturer are established by the Area Committee for Natural Sciences. Applications for promotion to senior lecturer must be submitted to the faculty no later than nine months before the appointment as assistant lecturer expires. Other information Upon promotion, the applicant is expected to be able to take on administrative and pedagogical tasks that require a good understanding of Swedish. We offer With us you get the dynamic interaction between higher education and research that makes Stockholm University an exciting and creative environment. You work in an international environment and receive favorable conditions. The university is located in the National City Park with good connections to the city. Stockholm University strives to be a workplace that is free from discrimination and provides equal rights and opportunities for everyone. Contact Information about the position is provided by the Head of Department, Professor Eva Sverremark-Ekström, eva.sverremark@su.se . Questions about the employment procedure can be directed to the administrator Mikael Stenberg, mikael.stenberg@su.se . Application You apply for the position via Stockholm University’s recruitment system. As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that the application is complete in accordance with the university’s instructions and that it reaches the university by the application deadline. We would like your application to be written in English, as it will be reviewed by international experts, with English being the working language. Teaching positions: instructions and application form . The university’s employment regulations, general instructions and application form in Swedish can be found on the website: applying for a position . Stockholm University contributes to the development of a sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment and the search for truth. Apply Now

Decoding the epigenetic mechanisms of drug resistance in aggressive breast cancers

/

Details Breast cancers pose a major health burden to modern world as being the most common cancer in women. Estrogen receptor (ER), the classical marker of 70% these cancers, is the nuclear receptor important for cancer progression. Even though survival rates of these cancer patients have increased in recent years due to the development of ER targeting agents, drug resistance and metastasis to other organs are the major causes of cancer-related deaths. Several studies had identified various mutations enriched in these aggressive cancers comparing to the primary tumours which respond to treatments. Understanding how specific gene mutations make cancer cells to relapse after treatment is essential to improve patient outcome. Our previous studies established high-throughput genome-wide CRISPR screens which identified novel role of chromatin associated proteins in promoting drug resistance in ER+ breast cancer cells in their absence [1,2]. One such class of proteins are chromatin architectural proteins which mediate long range chromosomal interactions to regulate gene expression. Our CRISPR screens identified these proteins in promoting response to ER targeting agents in breast cancer cell lines. Interestingly, these complexes are mostly inactivated by mutations in metastatic breast cancers which supports the significance of our study. By utilising systematic and unbiased methods (next generation sequencing and quantitative proteomics) in clinically relevant in vivo systems, this PhD project is proposed to discover the role of frequently represented alterations in chromatin architectural proteins in mediating drug resistance and the potential impact of epigenetic inhibitors in overcoming resistance to the existing therapies in breast cancers. This study will provide mechanistic insights and the importance of epigenetic proteins in driving tumour relapse and potential therapeutic strategies to target these aggressive tumours. Training/techniques The project will utilise the CRISPR-Cas9 edited knockout on breast cancer cells to investigate the impact of chromatin associated proteins-specific alterations in drug resistance using cutting-edge technologies, including qPLEX RIME (Quantitative Rapid Immunoprecipitation and Mass-spectrometry of endogenous proteins [3]), ChIP-sequencing and ChIA-Drop (chromatin architecture studies [4]) to define the functional interplay of the chromatin-associated proteins and nuclear receptors. This will employ cell lines- and patient-derived xenografts to reflect the human disease. We will assess the efficacy of epigenetic inhibitors targeting alteration-specific enriched proteins to explore their effect in tumour growth using high throughput cell viability screens. Eligibility  Applicants must have obtained or be about to obtain a First or Upper Second class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in a relevant subject area. Applicants with experience in molecular biology techniques, next generation sequencing and CRISPR platforms are encouraged to apply. Additional expertise in bioinformatics approaches is desirable. A keen interest in studying gene regulatory mechanisms and epigenetics is essential. Before you Apply  Applicants must make direct contact with preferred supervisors before applying. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to meet with potential supervisors, prior to submitting a formal online application. How to Apply  For information on how to apply for this project, please visit the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Doctoral Academy website (https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/). Informal enquiries may be made directly to the primary supervisor. On the online application form select the appropriate subject title – PhD Cancer Sciences. For international students, we also offer a unique 4 year PhD programme that gives you the opportunity to undertake an accredited Teaching Certificate whilst carrying out an independent research project across a range of biological, medical and health sciences. For more information please visit https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/international-phd/ Your application form must be accompanied by a number of supporting documents by the advertised deadlines. Without all the required documents submitted at the time of application, your application will not be processed and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you have any queries regarding making an application please contact our admissions team FBMH.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk Equality, Diversity and Inclusion   Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full Equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on the website https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/equality-diversity-inclusion/ Funding Notes Applications are invited from self-funded students. This project has a Band 3 fee. Details of our different fee bands can be found on our website https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/fees/ References 1. Nagarajan S, Rao SV, Sutton J, Cheeseman D, Dunn S, Papachristou EK, Prada J-EG, Couturier D-L, Kumar S, Kishore K, Chilamakuri CSR, Glont S-E, Archer Goode E, Brodie C, Guppy N, Natrajan R, Bruna A, Caldas C, Russell A, Siersbæk R, Yusa K, Chernukhin I, Carroll JS. ARID1A influences HDAC1/BRD4 activity, intrinsic proliferative capacity and breast cancer treatment response. Nature Genetics. 2020;52(2):187–97. 2. Xu G, Chhangawala S, Cocco E, Razavi P, Cai Y, Otto JE, Ferrando L, Selenica P, Ladewig E, Chan C, Paula ADC, Witkin M, Cheng Y, Park J, Serna-Tamayo C, Zhao H, Wu F, Sallaku M, Qu X, Zhao A, Collings CK, D’Avino AR, Jhaveri K, Koche R, Levine RL, Reis-Filho JS, Kadoch C, Scaltriti M, Leslie CS, Baselga J, Toska E. ARID1A determines luminal identity and therapeutic response in estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer. Nature Genetics. 2020;52(2):198–207. 3. Papachristou EK, Kishore K, Holding AN, Harvey K, Roumeliotis TI, Chilamakuri CSR, Omarjee S, Chia KM, Swarbrick A, Lim E, Markowetz F, Eldridge M, Siersbaek R, D’Santos CS, Carroll JS. A quantitative mass spectrometry-based approach to monitor the dynamics of endogenous chromatin-associated protein complexes. Nat Commun. 2018;9(1):2311. 4. Zheng M, Tian SZ, Capurso D, Kim M, Maurya R, Lee B, Piecuch E, Gong L, Zhu JJ, Li Z, Wong CH, Ngan CY, Wang P, Ruan X, Wei C-L, Ruan Y. Multiplex chromatin interactions with single-molecule precision. Nature. 2019;566(7745):558–62. Apply Now

The cellular response to stress: roles in disease and ageing

/

Details All living organisms need to adapt to their environment in order to survive and reproduce. They must respond to many stresses including altered oxygen levels, heat or cold, irradiation, infection and injury. A common feature of stress responses is the temporary inhibition of much of the protein production in cells, whilst resources are directed to promote the synthesis of those proteins promoting repair, survival or environmental adaption. It is increasingly evident that the dysregulation of stress response pathways can underpin diseases including cancer and neurodegeneration, as well as normal ageing. Furthermore, altered activation of some stress pathways can be protective and increase lifespan in animal models. Therefore, better understanding of these pathways could be exploited for therapeutic benefit to counter ageing and age-related diseases. Our group is interested in how gene transcription and translation is coordinated by stress response pathways and, in particular, how these mitigate mitochondrial dysfunction. We use a combined approach employing cultured cells and the animal model C. elegans to uncover the mechanisms involved. The project will provide training in cell culture, recombinant protein expression, mutagenesis, CRISPR gene editing, immunoblotting, fluorescence microscopy and C. elegans transgenics. Our group is based at the University of Manchester, which has a reputation for pioneering research and innovation with 25 Nobel Prize winners. The University was ranked 32nd in the world in the 2024 QS University Rankings and 2nd in the world for social and environmental impact in the THE Impact Rankings. Manchester is a friendly city with award winning museums and world famous football clubs, and has regularly been voted the UK’s best city to live. Training/techniques to be provided Approaches used will include mammalian cell culture, C. elegans transgenics, recombinant protein expression, mutagenesis, immunoblotting and immunoprecipitation, fluorescence microscopy, RNAi, CRISPR gene editing and genomics. Entry requirements Candidates are expected to hold (or be about to obtain) a minimum upper second class honours degree (or equivalent) in cell biology or a related subject area. Before you Apply Applicants must make direct contact with preferred supervisors before applying. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to meet with potential supervisors, prior to submitting a formal online application. How To Apply For information on how to apply for this project, please visit the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Doctoral Academy website (https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/). Informal enquiries may be made directly to the primary supervisor. On the online application form select PhD Cell Biology. For international students, we also offer a unique 4 year PhD programme that gives you the opportunity to undertake an accredited Teaching Certificate whilst carrying out an independent research project across a range of biological, medical and health sciences. For more information please visit https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/programmes/integrated-teaching/ Your application form must be accompanied by a number of supporting documents by the advertised deadlines. Without all the required documents submitted at the time of application, your application will not be processed and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you have any queries regarding making an application please contact our admissions team FBMH.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full Equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on the website https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/equality-diversity-inclusion/ Funding Notes Applications are invited from self-funded students. This project has a Band 3 fee. Details of our different fee bands can be found on our website https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/fees/ Apply Now

Senior Research Associate in Genetic Epidemiology

/

The role We are seeking talented postdoctoral researchers with experience in Genetic epidemiology. You will be responsible for conducting and disseminating high-quality translational research concerned with identifying common and rare genetic variant associations with congenital and acquired cardiovascular diseases, and with trajectories of cardiovascular related traits, including fetal growth, adiposity, blood pressure and lipids. You will work with a group who are interested in identifying the effects of cardiovascular disease and its treatment on pregnancy and perinatal health. You will be part of a cohesive, friendly and diverse team working within the MR-PREG collaboration, including data for > 400,000 mothers on clinical outcomes, genetics, and other omics In addition, you will closely engage with several international partners, particularly Prof. Frayling (University of Geneva), Assoc. Prof. Kutalik (University of Lausanne), Prof. Evans (University of Queensland) and Dr. Moen (University of Oslo) as well as collaborators from different UK institutes. You will join the vibrant interdisciplinary research environment in the Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit (MRC IEU), linked to Professor Deborah Lawlor’s and Dr Carolina Borges’ Unit programme on pregnancy health. You will benefit from the collaborative multi-disciplinary research environment of the MRC IEU, Population Health Sciences, and the Bristol Medical School and will have access to a range of training and career development opportunities. Full-time/1 FTE, though part-time will be considered minimum 3 days per week- 0.6 FTE. Hybrid working is available: we expect full-time staff to be in person at least 2 days a week. What will you be doing? Research Responsibilities Conduct research using rare and common genetic variants to improve knowledge on effects of cardiovascular disease on pregnancy-related complications Generate ideas, develop and execute analysis plans Identify relevant data sources and bioinformatic tools Clean and analyse large-scale, high-dimensional datasets Present research findings at local, national, and international meetings and conferences Publish your work in peer reviewed journals Contribute with supervision of MSc and PhD students Administration Responsibilities Thorough documentation and version control of all code developed Preparation, annotation and documentation of datasets Engagement and collaboration with researchers within the IEU and externally Assist with the organisation of meetings You should apply if Essential Experience in standard Genetic Epidemiology methods, such as GWAS an Mendelian randomization Evidence of expertise in one of rare genetic variant analyses and/or analyses of genetic associations with trajectories of age varying traits Experience of using Linux/Unix operating systems, using R, Python or other common languages, and liaising with external collaborators Desirable Experience of cardiovascular and/or reproductive epidemiology Contributions to publications of genetic epidemiology papers Ability to work with diverse collaborators and lead project Additional information Contract type: Open ended with funding until 30/04/2027 Work pattern: Full-time/1 FTE (part-time considered minimum 3 days per week- 0.6 FTE) Grade: J /Pathway 2 Salary: £43,482 to £50,253 per annum (pro rata if part-time) depending on previous experience School/Unit: Bristol Medical School Shift pattern: 35 hours per week (part-time considered) This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 28/05/2026 For informal queries please contact: Deborah Lawlor – Professor of Epidemiology (d.a.lawlor@bristol .ac.uk) Apply Now

PhD Drug repurposing for the treatment of aspergillosis

/

Details The mould Aspergillus fumigatus was classified by the WHO as a critical priority pathogen in 2022. It causes a spectrum of invasive, allergic and chronic disease. It results in high mortality in the immunocompromised and causes a significant symptom burden in those with chronic lung disease. However, there are only three classes of drugs with meaningful activity against Aspergillus: the azoles, the echinocandins and the polyene Amphotericin B. The rate of resistance to the azoles, the only available oral agent, is increasing both in the environment and during treatment in patients, severely limiting our options to treat this fungus. As newer agents may not reach the market soon, repurposing of existing drugs should be considered. After screening an FDA library of drugs for synergy with the antifungal voriconazole, we found the statins to be the most promising agents. Before embarking on clinical trials, real-world clinical data should be analysed to explore the potential for repurposing of existing drugs to treat aspergillosis. This project will aim to a. Identify suitable agents for drug repurposing in aspergillosis b. Explore the effect of statins, agents shown to have antifungal properties in vitro, on outcomes of patients with diagnosed aspergillosis syndromes. This will be done by analysing primary care data through an existing research database. c. Explore the role of concomitant medications on outcomes of patients treated with antifungals. This will be done by analysing a large patient population with chronic pulmonary aspergillosis treated at a national referral centre. Eligibility  Candidates are expected to hold (or be about to obtain) a minimum upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in Data Science, Biological Sciences or a related area / subject. Masters degree in biostatistics is desirable. How to Apply For information on how to apply for this project, please visit the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Doctoral Academy website (https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/). Informal enquiries may be made directly to the primary supervisor.  On the application form please select PhD Medical Mycology For international students, we offer the opportunity for you to undertake an accredited teaching certificate whilst carrying out your research with our PhD with Integrated Teaching Certificate. We also offer self-funded international students the chance to study a master’s before progressing onto a PhD with our Integrated PhD. Visit our international postgraduate researchers page to find out more. Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full Equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on the Website Funding Notes Applications are invited from self-funded students. This project has a Band 2 fee. Details of our different fee bands can be found on our website https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/fees/ References van Rhijn N, Storer I, Birch M, Oliver J, Bottery M, Bromley M (2023) The novel agrochemical fungicide ipflufenoquin drives cross-resistance to olorofim in the human pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. Research Square preprint DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2621591/v1 Braeckel… Kosmidis C. et al. (2022) Treatment outcome definitions in chronic pulmonary aspergillosis: a CPAnet consensus statement. European Respiratory Journal. DOI: 10.1183/13993003.02950-2021 Kosmidis C. et al (2020) Isavuconazole therapeutic drug monitoring during long-term treatment for chronic pulmonary aspergillosis. AAC. DOI: 10.1128/AAC.01511-20 Bongomin F, Harris C, Hayes G, Kosmidis C, Denning DW (2018) Twelve-month clinical outcomes of 206 patients with chronic pulmonary aspergillosis. PloS one. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193732 Apply Now

Discerning the role of metabolic proteins in nucleus

/

Details Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC), which develops from cells lining pancreas ducts, represents 95% of all pancreatic cancer cases. In the UK alone, PDAC is the 11th most common cancer with ~10,000 new cases diagnosed every year. It has abysmal life-expectancy with only 7% surviving the first five years[1]. PDAC death rates are constantly on the rise and it is projected to become the second most lethal cancer by 2030[2]. Monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) is a transmembrane protein involved in cell metabolism and mediates transport of monocarboxylates (such as pyruvate and lactate) in both directions across plasma membrane. Increased plasma membrane expression of MCT1 (PM MCT1) has been reported in several cancer types including pancreatic[8] cancers and are associated with worse prognosis, reduced recurrence-free and overall survival. Interestingly, although nucleus is not a usual location for MCT1 (based on current knowledge on its function), we and others reported nuclear MCT1 (nMCT1) expression in endometrial[7] and soft sarcoma[9]. Both studies showed that patients with nMCT1 have a longer overall survival than the patients without it. Therefore, it is important to improve knowledge on the significance of MCT1 localisation and evaluate its potential effects on treatment outcome for improving PDAC patients’ survival. For this purpose; we aim to 1. subject PDAC tissues to IHC and relate protein localisation to survival (for patients with/without nMCT1), 2. perform RNA-seq on a. BxPC3 (nMCT1 model) and Mia-Paca2 (PM MCT1 model) cells and b. genetically modified PDAC cells over-expressing nMCT1 or PM MCT1, 3. measure sensitivity to chemotherapy(FOLFIRINOX) in nMCT1 expressing cells and 4. test efficacy of MCT1 inhibitors for improving chemotherapy outcome in chemo-resistant PM MCT1 cells. Eligibility  Applicants must have obtained or be about to obtain a First or Upper Second class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in a biological discipline including Biology, Neuroscience and allied fields, Pharmacology, Molecular Biology. Applicants with experience in basic molecular techniques and an interest in neurodevelopment are encouraged to apply. Before you Apply  Applicants must make direct contact with preferred supervisors before applying. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to meet with potential supervisors, prior to submitting a formal online application. How to Apply  For information on how to apply for this project, please visit the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Doctoral Academy website (https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/). Informal enquiries may be made directly to the primary supervisor. On the online application form select the appropriate subject title – PhD Cancer Sciences. For international students, we also offer a unique 4 year PhD programme that gives you the opportunity to undertake an accredited Teaching Certificate whilst carrying out an independent research project across a range of biological, medical and health sciences. For more information please visit https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/international-phd/ Your application form must be accompanied by a number of supporting documents by the advertised deadlines. Without all the required documents submitted at the time of application, your application will not be processed and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you have any queries regarding making an application please contact our admissions team FBMH.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk Equality, Diversity and Inclusion   Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full Equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on the website https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/equality-diversity-inclusion/ Funding Notes Applications are invited from self-funded students. This project has a Band 2 fee. Details of our different fee bands can be found on our website here: https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/fees/ References 1. Ayşe Ufuk, Terence Garner, Adam Stevens, Ayşe Latif . ‘Monocarboxylate transporters are involved in extracellulat matrix remodelling in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma’. Cancers; 2022; DOI: 10.3390/ cancers14051298. 2. Vanitha N Sivalingam*, Ayşe Latif *, Sarah Kitson, Rhona McVey, Henry Kitchener, Katherine G Finegan, Kay Marshall, Michael Lisanti, Federica Sotgia, Ian J Stratford, Emma J Crosbie. ‘Hypoxia and hyperglycaemia contribute to metformin resistance in endometrial cancer’. *Equal contribution by both authors. British Journal of Cancer (Nature Publishing Group), January 2020. 3. Salem, A., Little, R., Latif, A., Featherstone, A., Babur, M., Peset Martin, I., Cheung, S., Watson, Y., Tessyman, V., Mistry, H., Williams, K., O’Connor, J. ‘Oxygen enhanced-MRI is feasible, repeatable and detects radiotherapy induced change in hypoxia in xenograft models and in patients with non-small cell lung cancer’, Clinical Cancer Research.2019 Mar; DOI:10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-18-3932 4. Ayşe Latif, Amy L Chadwick, Sarah J Kitson, Hannah J Gregson, Vanitha N Sivalingam, James Bolton, Rhona J McVey, Stephen A Roberts, Kay M Marshall, Kaye J Williams, Ian J Stratford, Emma J Crosbie. ‘Monocarboxylate Transporter 1 (MCT1) expression is an independent prognostic marker in endometrial cancer’. BMC Clinical Pathology; 2017 Dec; 17(27) 5.Andrew James, Waseema Patel, Zohra Butt, Magretta Adiarnah, Raga Dakhel, Ayşe Latif, Caroline Uggenti, Eileithyia Swanton, Hiromi Imamura, Ajith Siriwardena and Jason Bruce. ‘The plasma membrane calcium pump in pancreatic cancer cells exhibiting the Warburg effect relies on glycolytic ATP’. The Journal of Biological Chemistry; 2015 Aug; 290(41): 24760-24771. Apply Now

(PhD) Mobile Genetic Elements as key drivers for sustainable Wheat-Fungus Adaptations in a Changing Climate

/

Details As the world confronts pressing global challenges like a projected population surge to 9.7 billion by 2050, climate change, and the rise of pest pressures, innovative strategies to enhance crop resilience are essential for food security and environmental stability. Wheat (Triticum aestivum) and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) interactions exemplify plant-fungal symbioses that can improve nutrient use efficiency, soil health, and resilience to environmental stresses. Mobile Genetic Elements (MGEs) play a crucial role in these adaptations, driving genetic diversity and rapid evolution. Yet, despite their prevalence in genomes, the impact of MGEs on metabolic adaptation in plant-microbe interactions, especially in response to climate change, remains largely unexplored. Our project aims to uncover how Mobile Genetic Elements (MGEs) drive metabolic diversity and adaptive traits in wheat-AMF interactions, enhancing resilience to various biotic and abiotic stresses. This investigation builds on key findings by Sahu et al. (2023), Wang et al. (2020), and Sperschneider et al. (2023) on plant-fungus interactions, as well as Al-Shayeb et al. (2022), which identified repeat elements as central to expanding metabolic capacity. Leveraging my extensive expertise in k-mer-based and graph-based methodologies for high-quality genome and pangenome assembly, structural variation discovery, and metabolic pathway analysis, this project naturally extends to the plant and microbial realms (Garg* et al. Trends in Microbiology, 2024 (accepted); Garg Genome Biology 2023; Garg et al Nature Biotechnology 2021). Given the rising importance of MGEs in shaping genomes and metabolic pathways in these systems, our focus on MGE-driven metabolic and genetic adaptations aims to provide crucial insights for sustainable agriculture, reduced reliance on synthetic fertilizers, and the development of climate-resilient crops. Objective 1: Develop a comprehensive genomic toolkit to catalog and analyze the diversity and abundance of Mobile Genetic Elements (MGEs) and investigate their role in promoting sustainable wheat-AMF symbiosis through genome sequencing and comparative genomics, emphasizing potential pathways for nutrient efficiency and resilience to environmental stresses. Objective 2: Establish a metabolic and functional framework to understand how MGEs drive the expression of genes related to environmental resilience, exploring how MGE-induced phenotypic changes and novel metabolic pathways contribute to sustainable crop growth in low-input systems. Objective 3: Uncover how MGEs enable wheat and AMF to acquire adaptive traits or pathways rapidly, enhancing their ability to withstand diverse biotic and abiotic pressures, and supporting sustainable agriculture and ecosystem health in a changing climate. Impact This project promotes environmental sustainability by developing wheat varieties that thrive under low-input, high-stress conditions, reducing fertilizer use and enhancing carbon sequestration through symbiosis with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF). By studying how Mobile Genetic Elements (MGEs) facilitate wheat-AMF adaptation to climate stress, the research supports climate-resilient crops, healthier soils, and sustainable farming. It also paves the way for genetically modified crops with innate pest and stress resilience, reducing chemical use and fostering global food security. https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=_Sn07lgAAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdate Eligibility Applicants must have obtained or be about to obtain a minimum Upper Second class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in Computer science, Computational biology, Biology, Agrifood & sustainable systems or Genomics. How to Apply For information on how to apply for this project, please visit the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Doctoral Academy website (https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/). Informal enquiries may be made directly to the primary supervisor. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion  Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full Equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on the website. For international students, we offer the opportunity for you to undertake an accredited teaching certificate whilst carrying out your research with our PhD with Integrated Teaching Certificate. We also offer self-funded international students the chance to study a master’s before progressing onto a PhD with our Integrated PhD. Visit our international postgraduate researchers page to find out more. Funding Notes Applications are invited from self-funded students . This project has a Band 0 fee this PhD project is for 3 years. Details of our different fee bands can be found on our website https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/fees/ Apply Now

PhD Multivalent lipid nanoparticles as a platform for studying cell-nanoparticle interactions in brain disease therapy

/

Details Nanoparticles have become essential tools for drug delivery and diagnostics in brain diseases, but their interactions with cells and tissues remain poorly understood. This multidisciplinary project explores how multivalent lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) interact with cells, focusing on their ability to bind, be internalised, and navigate biological barriers such as the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Understanding these interactions will help optimise nanoparticle design for improved targeting, uptake, and therapeutic efficiency in brain disease treatment. Over four years, we will use biophysical, physicochemical, and biological techniques to study how LNPs behave in biological environments. Advanced imaging and molecular interaction analysis will help map how nanoparticle surface modifications influence cellular uptake and intracellular trafficking. The outcomes of this research will contribute to developing next-generation drug carriers and improving treatments for brain cancers and neurodegenerative diseases. This project is conducted in collaboration with AstraZeneca (AZ), and candidates will have the opportunity to spend part of their time at AZ’s facilities under the supervision of Dr Marianne Ashford, gaining industry experience and access to additional research expertise and resources. This is a self-funded PhD project. Interested applicants should contact the supervisors before applying to discuss project suitability.  Entry requirements Candidates are expected to hold (or be about to obtain) a minimum upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject, such as biomedical sciences, pharmacy, chemistry, nanotechnology, bioengineering, or a related field. Candidates with experience in nanoparticle formulation, biophysical characterisation techniques (e.g., Langmuir trough, BLI, SPR, QCM), microscopy (confocal or super-resolution), or flow cytometry are particularly encouraged to apply. Additionally, those interested in nanomedicine, drug delivery, and brain disease research will find this project highly relevant and rewarding. How to apply For information on how to apply for this project, please visit the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Doctoral Academy website (https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/). Informal enquiries may be made directly to the primary supervisor.  For international students, we offer the opportunity for you to undertake an accredited teaching certificate whilst carrying out your research with our PhD with Integrated Teaching Certificate. We also offer self-funded international students the chance to study a master’s before progressing onto a PhD with our Integrated PhD. Visit our international postgraduate researchers page to find out more. On the application form please select PhD Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on the website https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/equality-diversity-inclusion/ Funding Notes Applications are invited from self-funded students. This project has a Band 3 fee. Details of our different fee bands can be found on our website https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/fees/ References Christos Tapeinos*, Giulia Torrieri, Shiqi Wang, João P. Martins, Hélder A. Santos*, (2023) Evaluation of cell membrane-derived nanoparticles as therapeutic carriers for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma using an in vitro tumour stroma model. J Control Release, 362:225-242, DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.08.045 Matteo Battaglini*, Natalia Feiner, Christos Tapeinos, …, Lorenzo Albertazzi, Gianni Ciofani*, (2022) Combining confocal microscopy, dSTORM, and mass spectroscopy to unveil the evolution of the protein corona associated with nanostructured lipid carriers during blood-brain barrier crossing. Nanoscale, 14, 13292-13307, DOI: 10.1039/D2NR00484D Christos Tapeinos†,*, Francesca Tomatis†, Matteo Battaglini, Aitor Larrañaga, Attilio Marino, Iker Aguirrezabal Telleria, Makis Angelakeris, Doriana Debellis, Filippo Drago, … Edoardo Sinibaldi, Gianni Ciofani*, (2019) Cell membrane-coated magnetic nanocubes with a homotypic targeting ability increase intracellular temperature due to ROS scavenging and act as a versatile theranostic system for glioblastoma multiforme. Adv Healthc Mater., 8(18):e1900612, DOI:10.1002/adhm.201900612 Jackman MJ, Li W, Smith S, Workman D, Treacher K, Corrigan K, Abdulrazzaq F, Sonzini S, Nazir Z, Lawrence MJ, Najet Mahmoudi N, Cant D, Counsell J, Cairns J, Ferguson D, Lenz E, Baquain S, Madla CM, van Pelt S, Moss J, Peter A, Puri S, Ashford M, Mazza M, (2024) Impact of the Physical-Chemical Properties of Poly(lactic acid)–Poly(ethylene glycol) Polymeric Nanoparticles on Biodistribution. Journal of Controlled Release, 365:419-506. Spadea A, Jackman M, Cui L, Pereira S, Lawrence MJ*, Campbell RA, Ashford M, (2022) Nucleic acid-loaded lipid nanoparticle interactions with model endosomal membranes ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces 14, 30371-30384 Apply Now

Engineering CRISPR-Cas Nucleases for Accessible Diagnostics and Sensing

/

Details CRISPR-Cas12 and Cas13 are families of enzymes are RNA-guided nucleases that sequence-selectively cleave nucleic acids that are complementary to an RNA strand that is pre-loaded on to these nucleases[1,2]. In addition, upon activation of the CRISPR-Cas complex, both Cas12 and Cas13 exhibit trans-cleavage activity, the collateral cleavage of non-target sequences that are nearby. This selective activation of CRISPR-Cas12 and Cas13 coupled with the nonspecific trans-cleavage activity has potential use in the detection of DNA or RNA sequences that are of interest, since the enzyme could act as both the identification mechanism and the signal amplifier for various readout methods[3]. Previous work has utilized CRISPR-Cas12 and CRISPR-Cas13 enzymes for identification of bacteria, miRNAs, and parasites[4–7]. The research is aimed at recombinantly engineering Cas12 and Cas13 proteins for practical applications in diagnostics and genotyping. For this purpose, investigations will be carried out into the structure and mechanism of these nucleases, and their biophysical behaviour under assay-relevant conditions. In parallel, mutagenic engineering will undertaken to optimise the enzymes for these applications. Candidates should have an interest in one or more of the following areas: structural biology, molecular biology, molecular genetics, enzymology or biophysics; and is interested in developing a range of new skills. This work will equip the successful candidate expertise that are critical for the industrial biotechnology sector – the ability to rationally engineer new, high-value biotechnological products through fundamental insights in biomolecular structure and practical biochemistry. The successful candidate will join a growing team of multidisciplinary researchers from a range of backgrounds in chemistry and biology. The research is based at the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (www.mib.ac.uk) and the university’s Genome Editing Unit, both of which offer state-of-the-art laboratories, instrumentation and facilities. The project will be supervised by a collaborative supervisory team including Drs. Lu Shin Wong, Antony Adamson and Prof. William Newman. Informal enquiries can be directed at the supervisor Dr. Lu Shin Wong (research.manchester.ac.uk/en/persons/l.s.wong). Eligibility Applicants must have (or expect to achieve) at least an upper second class honours degree, or the equivalent, from a reputable institution; in biochemistry, molecular biology, structural biology, genetics, or a relevant related subject. Funding At Manchester we offer a range of funding through scholarships, studentships and other awards. Outstanding students will be nominated for the relevant award, and assistance with applying for externals scholarships. Before you apply We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor for this project before you apply. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project. How to apply Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425 When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees. Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered. After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents: Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress CV Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it). Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference) English Language certificate (if applicable) If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk. Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact. We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status. We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder). Funding Notes At Manchester we offer a range of funding through scholarships, studentships and other awards. Outstanding students will be nominated for the relevant award, and assistance with applying for externals scholarships. The duration of the PhD is 4 years. References 1) R. K.-K. Leung, Q.-X. Cheng, Z.-L. Wu, G. Khan, Y. Liu, H.-Y. Xia and J. Wang, Methods, 2022, 203, 276–281. 2) J. S. Gootenberg, O. O. Abudayyeh, J. W. Lee, P. Essletzbichler, A. J. Dy, J. Joung, V. Verdine, N. Donghia, N. M. Daringer, C. A. Freije, C. Myhrvold, R. P. Bhattacharyya, J. Livny, A. Regev, E. V. Koonin, D. T. Hung, P. C. Sabeti, J. J. Collins and F. Zhang, Science, 2017, 356, 438–442. 3) M. M. Kaminski, O. O. Abudayyeh, J. S. Gootenberg, F. Zhang and J. J. Collins, Nat Biomed Eng, 2021, 5, 643–656. 4) H. You, C. A. Gordon, S. R. MacGregor, P. Cai and D. P. McManus, BioEssays, 2022, 44, 2100286. 5) Y. Zhang, P. Miao, J. Wang, Y. Sun, J. Zhang, B. Wang and M. Yan, Sensors, 2024, 24, 6138. 6) C. Saisawang, P. Naksith, S. Sakdee, A. J. Ketterman, S. Tuntithavornwat, P. Nimsamer, O. Mayuramart, N. Chantaravisoot, T. Pisitkun and S. Payungporn, Karbala Int J Mod Sci, 2023, 9, 4. 7) A. Mahas, Q. Wang, T. Marsic and M. M. Mahfouz, ACS Synth Biol, 2021, 10, 2541–2551. Apply Now

Life Science Jobs

A destination for best opportunities in life science.

Facebook-f X-twitter Instagram

© 2026 TheBiologyBro.com

For Recruitors

Log in

Post Jobs

Job Dashboard

Important Links

Home

Life Science Jobs

Courses

Newsfeed

Past Papers

Lab tools

Career support

Company

Contact us

About us

Privacy policy

Terms of use

Trustpilot
Scroll to Top