Fixed-term

Details Notch is a developmental signalling receptor with widespread roles in metazoan development and adult stem cell regulation. Precise control of Notch signalling levels is crucial for proper development and health. Inherited mutations of Notch are associated with genetic disease that involves misregulated development, and somatic mutations are linked to cancer. Understanding the link between genetics of Notch and its varied phenotypic outcomes is therefore important for developing novel therapeutic strategies. In our research we have identified a region of the Notch extracellular domain, outside of the ligand binding domain, where mutations cause altered endocytosis and upregulated signal activation. This project will combine genetic, biochemical and biophysical approaches to understand the mechanisms by which this region of Notch regulates its activity, using Drosophila Notch as an experimental model system. In particular, the student will examine how mutations affect structure and regulatory interactions of Notch, understand the mutant impact on Notch trafficking and signalling, and examine how disruption of function in this region leads to changes in gene expression networks. The work will combine biophysical techniques of NMR spectroscopy and crystallography to determine structure, biochemical methods of proximity biotin labelling to identify interacting partner proteins, and RNAseq experiments to understand the consequences of Notch mutations on the transcriptome. Eligibility  Candidates are expected to hold (or be about to obtain) a minimum upper second class honours degree (or equivalent) in a biology-related subject. Candidates with experience in either Drosophila research, structural biology or biochemical approaches 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 To be considered for this project you MUST submit a formal online application form – on the application form select PhD Developmental Biology Programme. Full details on how to apply can be found on the Website: How to apply for postgraduate research at The University of Manchester 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: Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI | Postgraduate Research | Biology, Medicine and Health | University of Manchester Funding Notes Applications are invited from self-funded students. This project has a Band 3 (high) fee. Details of our different fee bands can be found on our website: https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/fees/

Details T cell–based immunotherapies have shown promise for certain malignancies, yet multiple factors limit their effectiveness in solid tumors. This project seeks to address those limitations through a multipronged strategy that combines interventions and genetic modifications known to yield incremental improvements when used individually. Specifically, the student will explore approaches such as (1) modulating T cell subsets (e.g., T stem cell memory or naïve T cells) through small molecules and cytokines during expansion, (2) employing next-generation T cell engineering (e.g., advanced CAR constructs, CRISPR/shRNA-mediated gene edits), and (3) introducing molecular enhancements (e.g., forced expression of tumor-infiltration–promoting factors). By systematically combining these tactics, we aim to discover synergistic effects that can overcome the immunosuppressive environment of solid tumors. The project will maintain flexibility, allowing the student to adapt interventions and modifications as new insights emerge, with the overarching goal of driving T cell therapies toward more profound and durable therapeutic responses. Eligibility  Candidates are expected to hold (or be about to obtain) a minimum upper second class honours degree (or equivalent) in a related area/subject. Candidates with experience in cell culture, molecular biology and genetic modification and mouse cancer models 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 To be considered for this project you MUST submit a formal online application form – on the application form select PhD Immunology Programme. Full details on how to apply can be found on the Website: How to apply for postgraduate research at The University of Manchester 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: Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI | Postgraduate Research | Biology, Medicine and Health | University of Manchester Funding Notes Applications are invited from self-funded students. This project has a Band 3 (high) fee. Details of our different fee bands can be found on our website https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/fees/

Details All modern biotechnology, basic cell biology research and many advanced medicines rely on a cold chain to delivery intact and viable cells. To achieve this cryoprotectant agents (CPAs) are required. Conventional cryopreservation with DMSO is inefficient and leads to slow post-thaw cell growth, which constrains many application areas. We have a major research interest in developing new cryoprotectants, which we achieve with bottom-up science, rather than only reformulating known CPAs, to target specific mechanisms of damage. In particular inspiration from natural macromolecular cryoprotectants (ice binding proteins) to both understand why the cells suffer post-thaw, but to also improve and scale the process. We have made major contributions in this area, including the use of Machine learning to discover new cryoprotectants [Nature Communications 2024, 15, 8082], macromolecular cryoprotectants [ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, 2023, 15, 2630] and also for cold-chain free protein storage [Nature, 2024, 631, 544] In this PhD, which is co-funded by an industrial partner, we will look to improve the storage of several biotechnologically relevant cell lines with the aim of accelerating bioprocessing. There will be opportunities to visit our industry partner (based in Northern England). We have world-class facilities for this work, in the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, including dedicated microscopy facilities (high content and confocal) flow cytometers and other associated facilities. Our group webpage is here https://gibsongroupresearch.com where additional information can be found. Eligibility Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline. Experience of cell culture will be a benefit. Funding This 3.5-year PhD studentship is open to Home (UK) applicants and EU students with settled status. The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26; subject to annual uplift), and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year. We recommend that you apply early as the advert may be removed before the deadline. Before you apply Please send a 2 page CV (max) including publications, research experience and grades to Professor Gibson (matt.gibson@manchester.ac.uk 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. featuredproject3_May26 Funding Notes This 3.5-year PhD studentship is open to Home (UK) applicants and EU students with settled status. The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26; subject to annual uplift), and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year. We recommend that you apply early as the advert may be removed before the deadline. Apply Now

Details The human spinal cord (SC) has limited regenerative capacity, and no effective therapies exist to restore function after spinal cord injury (SCI), resulting in severe disability and low quality of life and life-expectancy. In non-regenerative species, damaged axons fail to regrow, and neural stem/progenitor cell (NSPC) proliferation primarily contributes to scar formation. In contrast, regenerative species such as Xenopus and zebrafish restore axonal continuity, with NSPCs mounting a rapid proliferative response that leads to neurogenesis. These processes are governed by dynamic interactions between transcription factors (TFs) and regulatory molecules such as microRNAs. My work has shown that microRNAs are key to tune the dynamic expression of TF during developmental neurogenesis. MicroRNAs are present in SC and SC fluid (SCF), and their expression is dysregulated after SCI, suggesting that they play a role in this pathogenesis. Most microRNA data come from SC tissue or SCF in non-regenerative species, with limited knowledge in regenerative models, which has only been evaluated in SC tissue at single timepoint. A member of our team has pioneer the extraction of Xenopus SCF undergoing regeneration, technique that will provide information to use cross-regenerative species. We hypothesize that SCI induces dynamic changes in the microRNA landscape of both NSPCs and SCF that promote a permissive environment for regeneration. To validate this hypothesis, you will (1) perform a high-throughput microRNA and mRNA sequencing analysis of NSPCs and SCF at different timepoints from regenerative and non-regenerative Xenopus stages, (2) identify candidates and validate differentially expressed microRNA-mRNA nodes using RT-qPCR to comprehensively understand the microRNA-mRNA landscape changes after SCI, (3) conduct cross-species studies to understand the conserved underlaying mechanism of validated microRNA after SCI. Molecular, genetic, and imaging approaches, including CRISPR-Cas9 mutagenesis, in situ hybridization, immunostaining, and live microscopy, and xenopus and zebrafish spinal cord injury will be used for this study. Candidates are expected to hold (or be about to obtain) a minimum 2:1 Bachelors Degree with Honours (or equivalent) in a related area/subject. Candidates with previous laboratory experience, particularly in zebrafish and/or xenopus, molecular biology and confocal imaging, are particularly encouraged to apply. 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 a relevant discipline. 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 To be considered for this project you MUST submit a formal online application form – on the application form select PhD Neuroscience Programme. Full details on how to apply can be found on the Website: How to apply for postgraduate research at The University of Manchester 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: Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI | Postgraduate Research | Biology, Medicine and Health | University of Manchester Funding Notes Applications are invited from self-funded students. This project has a Band 3 (high) fee. Details of our different fee bands can be found on our website https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/fees/ Apply Now

The Opportunity: We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join our Translational Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy (CAA) Research Lab at the BHF-UK DRI Centre for Vascular Dementia Research. This role is ideal for someone with a strong technical and computational and background who is passionate about applying advanced data analysis to complex biological systems. As a Postdoctoral Researcher, you will be performing in vivo optical microscopy experiments in rodent models. You will play a central role in developing and implementing computational approaches for the acquisition and analysis of high-resolution optical imaging data. Working with state-of-the-art in vivo two-photon microscopy datasets, you will design analysis pipelines, develop code, and extract meaningful insights from large, multidimensional imaging datasets. Your work will directly contribute to understanding the mechanisms underlying CAA and vascular dysfunction in neurodegenerative disease. Alongside your computational focus, you will contribute to experimental workflows, including in vivo imaging studies and ex vivo tissue analysis, ensuring strong integration between data acquisition and analysis. This is a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment, where you will work closely with experimental researchers while leading on computational strategy and innovation. We are looking for someone with strong programming skills (e.g. Python, MATLAB), experience in image processing and analysis, and the ability to handle complex datasets with precision and creativity. A proactive mindset, attention to detail, and enthusiasm for developing new computational methods are essential. We are committed to supporting your development. As part of the BHF-UK DRI Centre for Vascular Dementia Research, you will be embedded in a world-class research environment with access to cutting-edge technologies and opportunities to expand your computational and scientific expertise. This is a full-time (35 hours per week) and 100% on campus. View the full job description  How to apply Please include the following documents in your application: – CV – Cover letter As a valued member of our team, you can expect:  A competitive salary. An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work. To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community. Comprehensive Staff Benefits, including generous annual leave entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, a wide range of staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options. Check out the full list on our staff benefits page and use our reward calculator to discover the value of your pay and benefits. Championing equality, diversity, and inclusion The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter, and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. Prior to any employment commencing with the University, you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages. The University may be able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. This will depend on a number of factors specific to the successful applicant.  Key dates to note The closing date for applications is 8th June 2026. Apply Now