MRC PPU PhD Programme 2025

MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit
University of Dundee, Scotland
Stipend £21,342 per annum tax-free

The MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit is a world-famous centre for the study of cell signaling and how disruption to signaling pathways causes human disease.

Almost all aspects of biology are regulated by reversible protein phosphorylation and ubiquitylation. Moreover, it is clear that there is an exquisite interplay between phosphorylation and ubiquitylation in many signalling pathways, emphasizing the importance of studying both kinds of modification in an integrated fashion, rather than considering these as separate areas to be investigated in isolation. Abnormalities in these pathways cause numerous diseases including cancer, neurodegeneration and inflammation - all conditions that we focus on in our Unit. Deciphering how disruptions in phosphorylation and ubiquitin networks lead to disease will reveal novel drug targets and improved strategies to treat these maladies in the future. Scientists in the MRC PPU are studying how phosphorylation and ubiquitin networks control a variety of cellular processes including DNA repair, DNA replication, mitochondrial quality control, proteostasis, autophagy and the prevention of neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinsons disease.

We are looking for bright and enthusiastic young people to join our 4-year PhD programme on the following themes:

1. Cancer and Genome Integrity
2. Chemical biology & Structural Biology
3. Parkinson’s Disease and Neurodegeneration

Our aim is to train the research leaders of tomorrow, and we provide support and training at every stage of the PhD, in a world class research environment. We offer the option of two 4-month rotations in the first year - students then choose one of the two labs to continue their PhD studies in. Current projects can be found by clicking here. The stipend for our MRC studentships is £21,342 per annum tax-free, and our students can attend at least one international conference during the course of their PhD. You can see what some of our former PhD students are up to now by reading some of our “Alumni interviews”.

The University of Dundee is one of the leading universities in Europe for research in Life Sciences. The 2016 QS World University Rankings in Biological Sciences place Dundee 5th in the UK and 40th in the world as judged by ‘citations-per-paper’, one of the most widely recognized metrics of scientific excellence.

To apply please complete the application

When completing the application, there will be space to copy over your CV, contact details of three referees and a cover letter explaining why you have chosen to apply to MRC PPU.

The closing date for applications is 31st October 2024. Applications from overseas students are welcome.

If you have any questions or need to get in touch with us, please email us at mrcppu-phd-admin@dundee.ac.uk.

Available projects