PhD in Developing Drug Discovery Technologies at the University of Leeds

The Phage; Leeds; Sur place; GBP 18 000 - 25 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Tuition fees covered

Stipend provided (£21,805 for 2026/27)

Industry collaboration

Résumé du poste

The Phage in collaboration with the University of Leeds invites applications for a fully funded PhD scholarship in Molecular and Cellular Biology, combining phage display, protein engineering and drug discovery.

The project aims to identify druggable pockets on target proteins, develop experimental methods, and work with industry partners to translate research into therapeutic technologies.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree with at least a 2:1 in a relevant subject.
• Backgrounds may include Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology etc.
• Master’s degree is desirable but not essential.
• Strong interest in drug discovery and protein science.

Responsabilités

• Develop and optimise experimental methods for drug discovery.
• Work with phage display and protein engineering technologies.
• Investigate therapeutic protein targets and potential druggable sites.
• Design and conduct molecular and biochemical experiments.
• Analyse and interpret experimental data.
• Develop new techniques and workflows to support drug discovery.
• Contribute to research conducted in collaboration with an industry partner.
• Maintain accurate experimental records and research documentation.
• Present research findings to academic and industry audiences.
• Contribute to scientific publications and research outputs.
• Participate in relevant training and activities within the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology.

Connaissances

Phage display

Protein engineering

Molecular biology

Formation

2:1 degree in Biochemistry/Molecular Biology or related life sciences

Description du poste

Project: Developing Drug Discovery Technologies
Supervisors: Prof Darren Tomlinson and Dr C. Tiede

About the PhD

The University of Leeds is offering a fully funded PhD scholarship in Molecular and Cellular Biology, providing an opportunity to work at the intersection of phage display, protein engineering and drug discovery.

The project aims to develop new technologies for identifying druggable pockets on target proteins. Working in collaboration with a major pharmaceutical company, the successful candidate will develop experimental methods and processes that could help improve the drug discovery pipeline and support the development of new therapeutics.

Research Focus

The PhD will focus on developing technologies that can help researchers identify potential sites on proteins that may be targeted by drugs.

A major component of the research will involve phage display and protein engineering, providing the candidate with hands‑on experience in modern molecular and biochemical approaches used in drug discovery.

The research will also involve collaboration with industry, giving the student exposure to how academic research can contribute to the development of practical drug discovery technologies.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Develop and optimise experimental methods for drug discovery.
• Work with phage display and protein engineering technologies.
• Investigate therapeutic protein targets and potential druggable sites.
• Design and conduct molecular and biochemical experiments.
• Analyse and interpret experimental data.
• Develop new techniques and workflows to support drug discovery.
• Contribute to research conducted in collaboration with an industry partner.
• Maintain accurate experimental records and research documentation.
• Present research findings to academic and industry audiences.
• Contribute to scientific publications and research outputs.
• Participate in relevant training and activities within the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology.

Qualifications and Skills Required

Applicants should normally hold an undergraduate degree with at least a 2:1 classification, or an equivalent qualification, in a relevant subject.

Relevant academic backgrounds may include:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Biotechnology
• Biological Sciences
• Cell Biology
• Structural Biology
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Related life science disciplines

Master’s degree is desirable but not essential.

Successful applicants should demonstrate:

• A strong interest in drug discovery and therapeutic development.
• An interest in protein science, molecular biology or biochemistry.
• Good scientific and analytical skills.
• An ability to plan and conduct research independently.
• Strong attention to detail and accurate laboratory practice.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary research team.
• Enthusiasm for developing new experimental approaches.

Previous laboratory experience in protein engineering, phage display, molecular biology, biochemistry or related techniques would be beneficial.

Funding Details

One full scholarship is available for a UK candidate.

The award covers:

• UK tuition fees
• Maintenance stipend of £21,805 for 2026/27
• Bench and research costs
• Funding for up to four years, subject to satisfactory academic progress

The scholarship is initially awarded for one year and can be renewed for up to three additional years.

The successful candidate must take up the award by 1 February 2027.

Applicants must also live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds while receiving the scholarship.

Eligibility

This scholarship is only open to applicants eligible to pay tuition fees at the UK Home rate.

Applicants must not already hold a doctoral degree or currently be studying for a PhD.

If English is not your first language, you must meet the University of Leeds’ English language requirements. The stated minimum requirement for postgraduate research in the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology is IELTS 6.0 overall, with at least 5.5 in each component, or an accepted equivalent qualification.

For more Phage-related, PhD opportunities, check here