Systems Biology of cellular response to environmental chemicals at University of Cambridge on FindAPhD.com

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Dr R Sawarkar No more applications being accepted Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)

Cambridge United Kingdom Artificial Intelligence Biochemistry Bioinformatics Cancer Biology Data Analysis Data Science Genomics Machine Learning Networks Toxicology

About the Project

Applications are invited for a 4 year PhD studentship, funded by BBSRC/UniLever, to join the Sawarkar laboratory at the MRC Toxicology Unit.

Substances used as food additives, therapeutics or cosmetic ingredients elicit cellular responses at transcriptional and post-transcriptional level. The outcome of the response is either adaptive, when cells modify their gene expression program to survive during adverse conditions, or adverse, when cellular changes impair their function leading to detrimental impacts of the chemical. The decision to mount an adaptive or adverse response is key cell-fate decision with conceptual parallels to developmental biology (see references). Nonetheless the mechanistic basis of the adaptive versus adverse decision is not fully elucidated, which forms the basis of the proposed project. The study will leverage new single-cell resolution technologies and advanced mathematical and statistical modelling approaches to identify the key determinants of adaptive vs adverse response.

The Medical Research Council (MRC) Toxicology Unit is a leading International Research Institute within the School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge. The Unit delivers mechanistic toxicology research, pursuing hypothesis-driven toxicological questions with a particular focus on the study of the causal links between exposure to endogenous and exogenous toxicants, molecular initiating events and adverse outcome pathways. The Unit's overall aims are to carry out pioneering research which leads to improved health and to train and mentor the next generation of toxicologists.

The Unit provides a supportive learning environment designed to meet the scientific and transferable skills required for an internationally competitive career. Our PhD Programme aims to train the scientific leaders of the future, giving them rewarding research projects with access to world-class facilities and expertise. Students receive toxicology-specific training in the Unit and through the ITTP | MRC Toxicology Unit (cam.ac.uk)

Applicants should have or shortly expect to obtain a first or good upper second-class degree from a UK university, or an equivalent standard from an overseas university, in a relevant subject such as Biomedical Science. Strong analytical skills, in addition to creativity, curiosity, enthusiasm, and the ability to work in a team are essential.

This studentship is open to UK citizens or overseas students who meet the UK residency requirements (home fees) or are able to augment the funds to cover the extra costs associated with international student fees. Full details of the University's entrance requirements are specified here: http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/application-process/entry-requirements.

Application Process

You are strongly recommended to contact the project supervisor prior to submitting your formal application to find out more about the project and eligibility: Ritwick Sawarkar [Email Address Removed]

Information regarding the application process can be found at: PhD Programme | MRC Toxicology Unit (cam.ac.uk)

All formal applications will need to be made through the University Application Portal: PhD in Biological Science (MRC Toxicology Unit) | Postgraduate Admissions (cam.ac.uk)

Your online application must include:

• A CV, including full details of all University course grades to date -

• Contact details for two academic or professional referees

• A personal statement of interest

Closing date: Friday 31st March 2023 or until a suitable candidate is found. Early applications are recommended.

Funding Notes

This studentship is funded by the BBSRC/Unilever. Full funding covering Maintenance and the University Composition Fee (Home Fee rate) is provided for the studentship, with effect from 1 October 2023. Maintenance fee is currently £19,250.

References

Transcriptional lockdown during acute proteotoxic stress.
Sawarkar R. Trends Biochem Sci. 2022 Aug;47(8):660-672.
Stress-induced nuclear condensation of NELF drives transcriptional downregulation.
Rawat P, Boehning M, Hummel B, Aprile-Garcia F, Pandit AS, Eisenhardt N, Khavaran A, Niskanen E, Vos SM, Palvimo JJ, Pichler A, Cramer P, Sawarkar R. Mol Cell. 2021 Mar 4;81(5):1013-1026.e11.
Nascent-protein ubiquitination is required for heat shock-induced gene downregulation in human cells.
Aprile-Garcia F, Tomar P, Hummel B, Khavaran A, Sawarkar R. Nat Struct Mol Biol. 2019 Feb;26(2):137-146.
Heat-Shock Protein 90 Controls the Expression of Cell-Cycle Genes by Stabilizing Metazoan-Specific Host-Cell Factor HCFC1.
Antonova A, Hummel B, Khavaran A, Redhaber DM, Aprile-Garcia F, Rawat P, Gundel K, Schneck M, Hansen EC, Mitschke J, Mittler G, Miething C, Sawarkar R. Cell Rep. 2019 Nov 5;29(6):1645-1659.e9.