PhD Studentship (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully funded 4-year PhD studentship

Stipend at UK Research Council rate

Home Fees covered

Job summary

The University of Cambridge's Department of Pathology invites applications for a fully funded PhD studentship starting October 2027 to explore harnessing the ubiquitin system in Plasmodium falciparum.

The project combines parasite genetics, biochemistry and chemical biology to develop new parasite biology tools and strategies for antimalarial drug development; applicants should have UK upper 2:1 or higher and language requirements fulfilled by interview.

Qualifications

• Applicants should hold the equivalent of a UK upper 2.1 or higher in an undergraduate honours or Masters degree in a relevant subject.
• Applicants must be eligible for UK HOME FEES.
• By the time of interview language requirements must be fulfilled as part of admission requirements.

Responsibilities

• Study the ubiquitin system in Plasmodium falciparum.
• Combine parasite genetics, biochemistry and chemical biology to manipulate protein stability.
• Develop powerful tools for discovering parasite biology and antimalarial strategies.

Skills

Parasite genetics

Biochemistry

Chemical biology

Research planning

Education

UK upper 2:1 or higher in a related field

Job description

Project Title: Turning the Malaria Parasite's Protein Degradation Machinery Against It -Professor Katerina Artavanis-Tsakonas, co-supervised with Laura Itzhaki (Department of Pharmacology)Malaria remains a major global health challenge, with drug resistance threatening the effectiveness of existing treatments. This project will explore a fundamentally different way to kill malaria parasites: harnessing their own protein-degradation machinery to selectively destroy proteins they need to survive. Our lab studies how the ubiquitin system works in Plasmodium falciparum, revealing important differences between parasite and human cells that could be exploited therapeutically. This project will combine parasite genetics, biochemistry and chemical biology to develop new ways of manipulating protein stability. The aim is to create powerful tools for discovering new parasite biology while exploring novel strategies for antimalarial drug development.The Department of Pathology has an excellent reputation in pure biological and biomedical research and is offering fully funded* studentships from October 2027 to work with one of the Research Group Leaders in this large and vibrant Department.All applications should be made online via the University's Applicant Portal for a PhD in Pathology (BLPA22). A completed application must be submitted by the closing date below. An application is only complete when all supporting documents, including the 2 academic references, are submitted.It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure their referees submit their references before the closing date of the studentship.The studentships are available to students who qualify for UK HOME FEES ONLY.Please check for eligibility details using this website: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/finance/fees/what-my-fee-statusFunding will cover the student's stipend at the current Research Council rate and Home University Fees. The studentship will be funded for 4 years from October 2027.Applicants should hold (or expect to obtain) the equivalent of a UK upper 2.1 or higher in an undergraduate honours or Masters degree in a relevant subject. The studentship is open to those eligible for the Home rate of University fees. Additionally, the Department requires that by the time of interview all potential students must have fulfilled the language requirements for admission. (http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/blpapdpth/requirements)Please also explain your motivation why you wish to pursue a PhD in this area, outline your research interests and background, and describe the qualities and experience you will bring to the role.Applications from ineligible candidates will not be considered.Further information about the course can be found here.Closing date: 2nd December 2026Please quote reference PK49372 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.Please quote reference PK51394 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.