PhD Studentship: Multifunctional Chemical Probes for Molecular Mapping of Cellular and Subcellular Protein Networks

This project provides an annual stipend of £19,237. 

Project advert

Understanding the interactions between proteins and their neighbours within an unperturbed biological environment is a significant technical issue in drug discovery and fundamental disease research. Recent investigations into disease progression and patient variability have shown that in addition to accumulative genetic and epigenetic changes, variation and modulation of cellular protein networks plays a key role in the disease phenotype. Current methods developed to study these changes have significant limitations, especially in patient relevant material.

This project will create a first of its kind fully chemical spatiotemporal labelling technology to identify protein networks, without the need for genetic alteration. This novel approach will allow proteins to be studied in unperturbed patient samples and to map alterations to the subcellular networks upon disease progression and response to therapeutic intervention. This project will utilise established spatially targeting probe modalities developed by Prof. Watkinson along with novel protein labelling technologies recently developed in Dr Lewis and Dr Britten’s laboratories in a cross-disciplinary project involving chemical synthesis and chemical biology to develop a clinically accessible technology for proteomic analysis.

Project aims and objectives

The aim of this research is to develop novel chemical spatiotemporal labelling technology to identify protein networks within specific cellular organelles. Underpinning this aim are 4 objectives:

• To undertake a critical literature review relating to cell organelle targeting fluorescent probes and the current limitations of protein labelling technology.
• To undertake the design, synthesis and optimisation of the activation wavelength of small molecule fluorescent proximity probes.
• To investigate the spatial control of protein labelling probes through chemical design and synthesis.
• To investigate the spatiotemporal proximity labelling of the optimised probe toolbox in a range of cellular organelles.

Specific requirements of the candidate

Successful applicants will be active researchers in our new state-of-the-art £117M labs and Dalton Building facilities, and will be supported to develop their skills as independent researchers.

Applicants should have either an excellent undergraduate degree or MSc in chemistry or chemical biology.

How to apply

This PhD position is open to Home and International students - International students will need to make up the difference in tuition fee funding.

For an informal discussion please contact Dr Thomas Britten (T.Britten@mmu.ac.uk), providing a copy of your CV and a short statement outlining why you are attracted to this topic.  Please quote reference ‘Multifunctional Chemical Probes PhD’ in all correspondence.  Applications from those who wish to explore the possibility of flexible working arrangements are welcome.

To apply you will need to complete the online application form for a full-time PhD in Chemistry (or download the PGR application form).

You should also complete the (PGR thesis proposal and a Narrative CV) form addressing the project’s aims and objectives, demonstrating how the skills you have maps to the area of research and why you see this area as being of importance and interest. 

If applying online, you will need to upload your statement in the supporting documents section, or email the application form and statement to PGRAdmissions@mmu.ac.uk.

Closing date: 14 October 2024. Expected start date: January 2025 for Home students and April 2025 for International students. 

Please quote the reference: SciEng-2024-Multifunctional-Chemical-Probes-PhD

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