Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health

The University of Manchester

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  Ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like proteins in the DNA damage response and cancer

  Dr C.K Schmidt, Prof Anthony Whetton  Applications accepted all year round  Self-Funded PhD Students Only

About the Project

A self-funded PhD studentship is available in the laboratories of Christine Schmidt, Stefan Meyer and Anthony Whetton. The project aims to study how posttranslational modifications with ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like proteins regulate the DNA damage response, and how dysregulation of these pathways in cancer cells could be exploited towards the development of novel anti-cancer drug targets.

Websites:

https://www.research.manchester.ac.uk/portal/christine.schmidt.html

http://www.cruk.manchester.ac.uk/

http://www.christie.nhs.uk/

Entry Requirements

Candidates are expected to hold (or be about to obtain) a minimum upper second class honours degree (or equivalent) in a related area/subject. Candidates with previous laboratory experience, particularly in cell culture and molecular biology, are particularly encouraged to apply.

How To Apply

For information on how to apply for this project, please visit the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Doctoral Academy website (https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/). Informal enquiries may be made directly to the primary supervisor. On the online application form select PhD Genetics

For international students, we also offer a unique 4 year PhD programme that gives you the opportunity to undertake an accredited Teaching Certificate whilst carrying out an independent research project across a range of biological, medical and health sciences.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full Equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on the website https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/equality-diversity-inclusion/”

For international students we also offer a unique 4 year PhD programme that gives you the opportunity to undertake an accredited Teaching Certificate whilst carrying out an independent research project across a range of biological, medical and health sciences. For more information please visit www.internationalphd.manchester.ac.uk

Biological Sciences (4) Medicine (26)

Funding Notes

Applications are invited from self-funded students. This project has a Band 3 tuition fees. Details of our different fee bands can be found on our website (https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/fees/).
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full Equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on the website https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/equality-diversity-inclusion/

References

• Cabello-Lobato MJ, Jenner M, Loch CM, Jackson SP, Wu Q, Cliff MJ, Schmidt CK. Microarray screening reveals a non-conventional SUMO-binding mode linked to DNA repair by non-homologous end-joining. bioRxiv (2021). DOI: 10.1101/2021.01.20.427433.
• Osborne HC, Irving E, Schmidt CK. The ubiquitin/UBL drug target repertoire. Trends in Molecular Medicine (2020). DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2020.08.009.
• Schmidt CK, Galanty Y, Sczaniecka-Clift M, Coates J, Jhujh S, Demir M, Cornwell M, Beli P, Jackson SP. Systematic E2 screening reveals a UBE2D–RNF138–CtIP axis promoting DNA repair. Nat. Cell Biol (2015). 17, 1458–1470.
• Paredes R, Schneider M, Stevens A, Pierce A; White D, Williamson A, Muter J, Pearson S, Kelly J, Connors K, Wiseman D, Chadwick J Loeffler H, Teng HY, Lovell S, Unwin R, van de Vrugt H, Smith H, Kustikova O, Schambach A, Somervaille T, Whetton AD, Meyer S. EVI1 carboxy-terminal phosphorylation is ATM-mediated and sustains transcriptional modulation and self-renewal via enhanced CtBP1 association. Nucleic Acids Res. (2018). 15, 7662-7674. doi: 10.1093/nar/gky536.
• Taylor AMR, Rothblum-Oviatt C, Ellis NA, Hickson ID, Meyer S, Crawford TO, Smogorzewska A, Pietrucha B, Weemaes C, Stewart GS. Chromosome instability syndromes. Nat Rev Dis Primers (2019). 1, 64. doi: 10.1038/s41572-019-0113-0

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Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health

Tackle real world challenges, make a difference, and elevate your career with postgraduate research in the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health at Manchester. From biochemistry to neuroscience, cancer sciences to medicine, audiology to mental health and everything in between, we offer a wide range of postgraduate research projects, programmes and funding which will allow you to immerse yourself in an area of research you’re passionate about.

Why study at Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health?

Ranked the best place to live in the UK (The Economist Global Liveability Index, 2022), Manchester boasts world-class culture, iconic sports, a thriving music and food scene, and much more. It's not just a place to research, it's a place to call home.

Experience PhD life as part of a diverse postgraduate research community of more than 1,000 postgraduate researchers at the 29th most international university in the world (Times Higher Education, 2023).

With 93% of research activity at the University rated as 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent' (Research Excellence Framework, 2021), you'll get the chance to have an impact on global health and science challenges.

1000+

postgraduate students

90

PhDs

6

ranked in UK - QS (2025)

Manchester  United Kingdom

main campus

About Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health

At Manchester, postgraduate researchers are at the heart of our mission to tackle pressing global challenges in biological, medical and healthcare sciences - and you could be too.

By choosing Manchester for your postgraduate research, you’ll be joining a university with an exceptional research reputation, where 93% of research is world-leading or internationally excellent (REF, 2021) and where your work will have real-world impact.

You’ll research in world-class facilities alongside leading experts at the forefront of innovation, collaborating across disciplines to pioneer new treatments, advance scientific knowledge, and improve healthcare globally.

Supported by our dedicated Doctoral Academy and strong industry links, you'll experience PhD life in a vibrant, welcoming and diverse postgraduate research community.

And you’ll leave with the specialist knowledge, research experience and transferable skills that will shape your future in academia, research or industry.


Main campus

The University of Manchester

Manchester

North West

United Kingdom

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