AstraZeneca Non-Clinical PhD Studentship in Next-generation TPD for Oncology: Harnessing Ubiquitin-independent Pathways

Location: Central Cambridge

The Department of Pharmacology at the University of Cambridge, in partnership with AstraZeneca, is offering a funded PhD studentship to study proteasome-targeting tools and use them to design novel approaches for Targeted Protein Degradation (TPD). We are seeking a motivated and curiosity-driven student with a strong interest in cell biology and biochemistry, as well as an enthusiasm for TPD approaches.

The successful candidate will join the lab of Dr Catherine Lindon in the Department of Pharmacology, with a supervisory team that includes Dr Gustavo Gutierrez (Discovery Sciences, AstraZeneca), Professor Laura Itzhaki (Department of Pharmacology), Dr Sharan Bagal (Oncology Chemistry, AstraZeneca) and Dr David McGarry (Oncology Bioscience, AstraZeneca).

Project Aims:

The project aims to establish a novel TPD platform by co-opting Midnolin, a protein capable of delivering substrates directly to the proteasome, for ubiquitin-independent degradation. The research programme will include an exploration of Midnolin biology, to understand its endogenous regulation across cellular time and space, and the development of novel tools to direct Midnolin activity towards desirable targets linked to therapeutic outcomes. This part of the project will include a campaign to discover binders that can harness the cell's endogenous Midnolin pool, and engineering of custom exogenous Midnolin-based degrader tools, for directed degradation of oncology targets. 

We are seeking a highly motivated individual able to work independently, and with good knowledge and/or experience in both biochemistry and cell biology. Applicants should have or shortly expect to obtain a first or high 2:1 bachelor's degree from a UK university, or an equivalent standard from an overseas university, in a relevant subject.

Funding:

The funding for this post is available for 4 years. Funding will cover the student's stipend and tuition fees at the Home rate. This studentship is also open to overseas students who meet the UK residency requirements (home fees) or who can cover the extra costs associated with international student fees through scholarships or funding schemes. Students may not supplement fees via self-funding.

How to Apply:

The deadline for applications is Monday 16th November 2026.  

Applications should be made via the University Application portal (via the above 'Apply' button). When asked to select a course, please apply for the PhD in Pharmacology. You should then put the title of this studentship as your proposed project title.

You are not required to write your own research proposal. When asked for a research proposal in the applicant portal, instead please upload one side of A4 with your motivation for applying for the studentship, your relevant skills, what you hope to achieve if appointed, and long-term career aspirations. 

Informal enquiries about the project are welcome and should be directed to Dr Catherine Lindon: acl34@cam.ac.uk

For application process queries, please contact the Postgraduate Admissions Team https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/contact-us 

Please quote reference PL51373 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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