Website The University of Manchester
Details
Living organisms are subjected to many stresses including altered oxygen levels, changing temperature, irradiation, infection and injury. Dependent upon the type of stress, different signalling pathways are activated in cells to adjust the proteome and promote repair and survival. A common feature of stress responses is the temporary inhibition of most of the protein production in cells, while resources are directed to mitigate the stress. It is evident that the dysregulation of stress response pathways can underpin diseases including cancer and neurodegeneration, as well as ageing. Therefore, understanding the stress response network could be exploited to counter ageing and age-related diseases.
Our group is interested in how gene transcription and translation are coordinated by stress response pathways. The stress-induced changes in protein production coincide with the formation of cytoplasmic condensates made up mRNAs and factors involved in protein production. Our aim is to better understand the molecular mechanisms linking condensates to changes in mRNA translation and cell survival. Secondly, we are interested in how stress-induced changes in mitochondrial function are detected by the nucleus to regulate the expression of protective genes. The mitochondria are important stress sensors in cells and critical for energy production and many other metabolic processes. We use cell biology, biochemical and genetic approaches and the project will provide training in cell culture, 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 35th in the world in the 2026 QS University Rankings and 1st in the world for social and environmental impact in the THE Impact Rankings.
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 Cell Biology. 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/
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