MSCA Fellowship - PhD Student (Fixed Term)

We are seeking to recruit an exceptional Doctoral (PhD) Candidate to join the new MSCA Doctoral Network ComeInCell (https://www.comeincell.org/). The candidate will enrol for a PhD in Biotechnology at the University of Cambridge, under the supervision of Prof. Lorenzo Di Michele.

ComeInCell offers a unique opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research in the field of Synthetic Biology, working at the intersection of biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering. The project will explore how membranes and condensates together regulate protein function and drive cellular processes, towards development of innovative biomimetic platforms. These platforms will provide a deeper understanding of essential cellular processes like membrane trafficking and pathologies like neurodegenerative diseases and will open new avenues for drug discovery and therapeutic interventions. Successful candidates will benefit from a diverse and interdisciplinary training program, including secondments in leading labs and collaborations with industry partners. Our network fosters a rich environment for innovation and skill development, equipping students to lead in both academic and industrial sectors.

We have recently developed technologies to produce synthetic RNA condensates with prescribed number, size, shape, composition, material properties and the ability to selectively recruit protein clients. These condensates form co-transcriptionally in synthetic cells. With this project, we aim to engineer interactions between the synthetic RNA condensates and synthetic cell membranes to induce controlled membrane deformation, patterning, and division-like behaviours. Condensate/membrane affinity can be programmed using electrostatics or specifically with either amphiphilic nucleic acid linkers or aptamers targeting membrane proteins. Specific objectives include: 1) Build synthetic cells that can express RNA condensates with controlled affinity for the membrane; 2) Exploit processes such as condensate growth, degradation and internal phase separation to deform and manipulate the membranes (e.g. stabilizing non-spherical morphologies; controlling lipid domain formation, size and distribution; inducing membrane rupture or membrane fission).

The project involves secondments at the Max Plank Institute of Biochemistry (Munich, Germany) in the group of Prof. Petra Schwille and at Imperial College London in the group of Dr Claudia Contini.

Please see full information about the programme at https://www.comeincell.org/.

The successful candidate would be employed as a Research Assistant and they must apply for admission as a PhD student with the University and be able to meet our criteria for admission. For further information please visit: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/egcepdcng?gl=1e6nc7rgaNjM2MTY3Nzk3LjE2NjcyOTg0MTc.gaP8Q1QT5W4K*MTY2ODE2MzI4Ny44LjEuMTY2ODE2MzI5MC4wLjAuMA

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above. 

Should you require any further details on the role please contact Prof. Lorenzo Di Michele at ld389@cam.ac.uk. If you have questions on the application process, please email Mrs Alessandra Uomo, HR Administrator, at hr@ceb.cam.ac.uk.

Closing date for applications is 6th January 2025.

Interviews are likely to be held soon after the closing date.

Please quote reference NQ44098 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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