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

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; Sur place; GBP 18 000 - 21 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

The Department of Pharmacology at the University of Cambridge, in partnership with AstraZeneca, offers a funded PhD studentship focused on proteasome-targeting tools and novel approaches for Targeted Protein Degradation (TPD).

You will join Dr Catherine Lindon's lab, work independently with a supervisory team, and contribute to discovering Midnolin binders and engineering degrader tools for oncology targets within a four-year program.

Qualifications

• Degree in biochemistry or related field.
• Strong interest in proteasome biology and protein degradation.
• UK university degree or equivalent, with evidence of laboratory training.

Responsabilités

• Join the lab of Dr Catherine Lindon and contribute to developing proteasome-targeting tools.
• Collaborate with a supervisory team including AstraZeneca scientists and Cambridge academics.
• Design experiments and generate data to advance a Midnolin-based degrader platform.

Connaissances

Biochemistry

Cell biology

Targeted Protein Degradation

Formation

Bachelor's degree (UK 2:1) or equivalent

Description du poste

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.

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.

Funding will cover the student's stipend and tuition fees at the Home rate.