EastBio: Characterizing the cellular signaling centre: How do TORC1-containing signaling endosomes work?

Details

This fully funded, 4-year PhD project is part of a competition funded by the BBSRC EASTBIO Doctoral Training Partnership.

Background

Eukaryotic cells are compartmentalized by membrane structures called organelles that perform specialized functions (e.g., energy production in mitochondria and catabolic reactions in lysosomes). Organelles are structurally, and functionally, dynamic. They constantly exchange materials and signals, adjusting their abundance, volume, shape, and activity in response to external stimuli. This flexibility allows cells to rebalance diverse biological processes and thereby adapt to the changing environment. Organelle dynamics and signaling are therefore at the core of eukaryotic cell plasticity.

Research Focus

We recently made the exciting discovery of a previously overlooked organelle, the signaling endosome, in the yeast model. This novel organelle contains the Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 (TORC1) kinase complex, a master regulator of cell growth and metabolism. We showed that TORC1 on signaling endosomes (SE-TORC1) performs unique and indispensable roles, regulating specific biological processes such as autophagy and phospholipid signaling. These are distinct from the processes controlled by the alternate, canonical TORC1 pool residing at lysosomes (L-TORC1), such as global protein synthesis.

Project Aim

As an essential platform of TORC1, signaling endosomes are crucial for the regulation of cell growth and metabolism. However, we are only just starting to investigate this novel organelle and almost entirely lack fundamental knowledge of its structure, function, dynamics, and roles in human physiology. This PhD project will pioneer “signaling endosome biology” by characterising the function of this novel organelle in cellular signaling and membrane trafficking. This line of work will not only advance organelle biology, but also enable us to design novel, more targeted therapeutic approaches against TORC1-related human diseases such as cancer and diabetes, by selectively manipulating the SE-TORC1 pathway without impacting L-TORC1 function.

Training Opportunities

You will learn versatile experimental skills in cell biology (e.g., yeast/mammalian cell culture, genetic manipulation, fluorescent and confocal microscopy) and biochemistry (e.g., DNA construction, protein purification, SDS-PAGE, western blotting, immunoprecipitation, mass spectrometry). These techniques are very common and highly valued in both academia and industry. Moreover, this studentship includes a compulsory internship outside academia, an excellent opportunity for you to build up skills and network in non-academic settings.

Research Environment

The lab is situated at the Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS) at the University of Aberdeen, which accommodates research groups across broad biomedical disciplines, offering rich collaboration opportunities. You will become part of the vibrant community of cell/molecular biology-focused labs, attending weekly and monthly joint meetings.

This project may be availiable to study part-time.

Interested applicants should contact the lead supervisor to discuss the project prior to applying. You can do this by selecting the first listed name at the top of this advert and sending your enquiry. Alternatively, you can search for the supervisor through the University of Aberdeen staff directory and email them directly.

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ELIGIBILITY:

Applicants should hold a minimum of a 2:1 UK Honours degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject. Those with a 2:2 UK Honours degree (or international equivalent) may be considered, provided they have (or are expected to achieve) a Distinction or Commendation at master’s level.

We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities, and are committed to having a diverse, inclusive team.

All students must meet the eligibility criteria as outlined in the UKRI guidance on funding for postgraduate training and development. This guidance should be read in conjunction with the Terms and conditions for training funding – UKRI.

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APPLICATION PROCEDURE

For full details and to download the application form, visit: https://biology.ed.ac.uk/eastbio/how-to-apply

Please note that you may only apply for one EASTBIO project.

1. Application submission

Submit your complete application by 23:59 GMT on 16th November 2026 to smmsn-pgrenquiries@abdn.ac.uk.

Send your application as a single email with the subject line: “EASTBIO Application – [Your Name]”

2. Required documents

Your application email must include the following:

• Completed EASTBIO application form
• Academic certificates and transcripts
• Two references (one reference may be non-academic)

3. References

All references must be provided using the official EASTBIO reference form (available here).

References can be either:

• Included with your application, or
• Sent directly by referees to smmsn-pgrenquiries@abdn.ac.uk with the subject line: “EASTBIO Reference – [Your Name]”

All references must be received by 23:59 GMT on 16th November 2026.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure both references are submitted by the deadline, as we cannot request them on your behalf.

Important notes

• No research proposal is required.
• Do not include any additional documents (for example, school certificates, conference papers, or dissertations).
• Incomplete applications or those including unnecessary materials will not be considered.
• Due to workload constraints, we are unable to follow up on missing documents or process incomplete applications.
• All candidates will be notified of the outcome of their application.
• We will confirm receipt of applications upon processing. Due to the high volume of applications, this may not be until after the deadline. We ask that you please refrain from contacting us regarding updates or to see if your application has been received.

For any questions or assistance with the application process, please contact smmsn-pgrenquiries@abdn.ac.uk.

Funding Notes

This fully funded, four-year PhD project is offered as part of a competition within the EASTBIO BBSRC Doctoral Training Partnership. The opportunity is open to both UK and international applicants, although the proportion of international students recruited through the EASTBIO DTP is capped at 30% by UKRI BBSRC.

EASTBIO studentships provide a tax-free UKRI doctoral stipend (estimated at £22,437 for the 2026/27 academic year), a training grant of £5,000 per year for the first three years (and £1,500 in the fourth year), and a travel and conference allowance of £230 per year.

Please note that EASTBIO is unable to fund visa costs or associated healthcare surcharges for international students.