Leishmaniasis is the second deadliest parasitic disease with over 1.2M new cases each year across 98 countries. The Walrad and Plevin labs are long term collaborators and part of the York Biomedical Research Institute, one of the largest groups of researchers working on leishmaniasis, with partnerships in >20 countries. Our labs investigate Leishmania gene regulatory pathways to find parasite vulnerabilities using complementary in vitro and in vivo multidisciplinary approaches. Gene regulation in Leishmania parasites is overwhelmingly post-transcriptional and dynamic regulatory complexes (mRNPs) fluctuate in response to cellular stimuli, enabling survival.
Stress granules (SGs) represent a diverse group of mRNP-regulating membraneless organelles formed by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). mRNPs oscillate between SGs and the translational machinery and promote parasite endurance during transitions between host environments. You will investigate mRNP dynamics as they relate to Leishmania stress granules. The project will enable you to learn a wide variety of skills, including kinetoplastid genetics, biochemistry, molecular parasitology and proteome/transcriptome analysis. Good opportunities for travel and conference participation are available, with key collaborations in place both internally and externally.
About the DTP
This studentship is offered as part of the White Rose BBSRC Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) in Mechanistic Biology, which brings together the research of the world-class molecular and cellular bioscience centres at the White Rose universities of Leeds, Sheffield and York.
Our mission is to train excellent bio-scientists who understand how living systems work and can innovate to address global challenges, such as the impact of climate change, a healthier old age, sustainable food production, land use and energy production.
What is on offer?
This is a core studentship for entry in October 2024.
Join us and you will receive a 4-year, funded PhD programme of research and skills training, with cross-disciplinary supervision, plus a structured programme of cohort-wide training and networking events. A highlight is the annual symposium, which is planned and delivered by students.
A unique part of your training will be the Professional Internships for PhD Students (PIPS), where you will spend three months at a host organisation of your choosing, gaining experience of work in a professional environment, and acquiring transferable skills that will be beneficial in your future career.
How to apply – Expression of Interest
Students may apply for up to three projects anywhere in the Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP). Applications will be to the DTP centrally, using an online Expression of Interest (EoI). The EoI will include:
§ CV information; not submitted separately
§ Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) data
§ Names of two referees
Deadline for EoIs is midnight Sunday 7th January 2024.
Submit EoIs using this link: https://leeds.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/white-rose-bbsrc-dtp-expression-of-interest-form
Shortlisted candidates will be required to make formal applications to the Graduate School at each institution, supplying the necessary paperwork.
Interviews will be held either Friday 2nd and Monday 5th to Friday 9th February, or Monday 19th to Friday 23rd and Monday 26th February 2024, in-person at Leeds, Sheffield and York, with a panel representing all 3 Universities. Shortlisted candidates will be notified of a specific time/date to attend. If you have applied for more than one project and are selected for interview, you will be interviewed only once.
Website: https://www.whiterose-mechanisticbiology-dtp.ac.uk/
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