PhD Studentship: Developing and Industrialising Attachment of Chemical Probes to Monitor Biological Events

Primary Supervisor - Dr. rer. nat. Fraser MacMillan

This project will be completed with the CASE partner, Nanotemper Technologies GmbH.  

We use biophysical methods to study the architecture and functional dynamics of membrane proteins, especially many medically-relevant membrane transport systems. There is increasing evidence that membrane proteins do not act alone, but that they are organised as nano-machines which function through the concerted action of individual components with high precision and specificity observed in both time and space. We are seeking to unravel the principles underlying the architecture and dynamics of these protein nano-machines as well as their function. Our experimental approach focuses on the use of novel probes together with biophysical methods (fluorescence and magnetic resonance techniques) in combination with molecular biological, biochemical and chemical approaches.  

This project will study a specific class of membrane transporter (the SLC6 sodium symport transporter LeuT), which is a structural homologue of the human neurotransmitter transporters for dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine and amino butyric acid. These human transporters are implicated in several diseased states including depression, anxiety and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Several prescribed medications target these transporters and illicit street drugs like cocaine or amphetamine also interact with them.  

In addition, further high-value pharmaceutical targets such as Cereblon and Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) proteins will also be studied. We aim to probe functional dynamics of these proteins by developing novel labelling approaches amenable to high-throughput science in combination with a range of biophysical methods.   

The successful candidate will receive world class training and become competent in a broad range of biochemical and biophysical techniques working within a team environment using state-of-the-art equipment to study important families of proteins with wide ranging societal impact.  

The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP) is offering fully funded studentships for October 2025 entry. The programme offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP CASE students undertake a three to 18-month placement with the non-academic partner during their study. The placement offers experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team. Students with, or expecting to attain, at least an upper second-class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply. 

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 28, 29 or 30 January 2025.  

Visit our website for further information on eligibility and how to apply: https://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk/

Our partners value diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background. 

Funding Details

Additional Funding Information

This project is awarded with a 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD DTP studentship. The studentship includes payment of tuition fees (directly to the University), a stipend to cover living expenses (2024/5 stipend rate: £19,237), and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000pa for each year of the studentship. 

Closing Date: 25 November 2024 (at 11.59 pm) 

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