Why study dynamic molecular cell biology?

Human genomics is rapidly identifying gene mutations and perturbed levels of expression that cause disease. However, the identification of the responsible genes is not sufficient to fully understand the disease process. We need to understand the underlying genetic and proteomic basis of disease: from a molecular level through to functional implications in cells and tissues/organisms. Only then can we truly understand the etiology of human disease and deliver rational therapeutic and regenerative routes to overcome them, and to reduce aspects of their pathology. Thus, our understanding and treatment of human disease relies upon cell biology and increasingly on those cell biologists with an appreciation of the information that can be derived from the molecular and genetic analysis of human disease.

We feel that there is a real need to train the next generation of molecular cell biologists in an environment of scientific excellence, surrounded by outstanding imaging facilities, where they learn how to study fundamental molecular cell biology, alongside disease-orientated applied and translational cell biology. By enhancing learning through familiarisation with genetic approaches (including epidemiology), these cell biologists will acquire the methodologies necessary to study modern molecular cell biology orientated to human health and disease.

The programme

We aim to train the next generation of molecular cell biologists in an environment of scientific excellence where they learn how to study fundamental, applied and translational cell biology in the context of specific diseases.

Our Dynamic Molecular Cell Biology 4-Year PhD Programme achieves this by bringing together the skills and expertise of 30 internationally recognised molecular cell biologists. The programme offers training in the broadest range of molecular cell biology topics and techniques from analyzing dynamic behaviour of cells in organisms through to studies of intracellular behaviour and progression into single molecules and high-resolution electron microscope. Our links with Bristol’s world-leading epidemiologists allow an unparalleled training in the analysis of cell biology in the context of the genetics of disease.

The unique aspects of the programme

Our programme offers a training experience with the following unique flavour: First and foremost, the programme allows students, at the beginning of their research careers, to undertake a PhD in an environment of scientific excellence where they develop the intellectual and practical knowledge required to study modern molecular cell biology and, importantly, how to apply and translate this to human disease.

The Programme follows a 1+3 year structure, with the first year offering the opportunity to study a range of research topics, with different supervisors. Students undertake three laboratory-based research projects (each approximately 10 weeks in duration). The first rotation being in a "cellular" laboratory where students gain experience in cell culture and standard wide-field/confocal imaging alongside super-resolution imaging. The 2nd rotation is in a "disease/model organism" lab, where students extend their skills into an in vivo applied context and in techniques such as multi-photon imaging. During their 3rd rotation in a "molecular" laboratory, students extend their skills further into in vitro biochemical and biophysical methods including protein production, complex assembly, functional reconstitution, high-resolution electron microscopy and single molecular imaging. With 3 x 10 week rotation projects, students finish these projects and the associated write-ups/presentations by the end of May of their first academic year, which allows four clear months to start working in their chosen PhD lab and focusing on writing their research proposal before the 2nd academic year commences.

How to apply

Application process: Please apply online (the programme is listed under the Faculty of Life Sciences as the Wellcome 4-year PhD in Dynamic Molecular Cell Biology)

Please ensure you upload a CV and a covering letter outlining your own molecular cell biology interests and include two referees by Sunday 16th December 2018. Please upload your covering letter into the Personal Statement section of the application form. Interviews will be conducted in the week beginning 7th January 2019.

The programme provides a stipend and PhD registration fees at UK/EU and international student rates, research expenses, contribution towards travel and a contribution towards transferable-skills training.

Informal enquiries may be made to Professor Pete Cullen pete.cullen@bristol.ac.uk.

For full details of supervisors and their areas of research, and instructions on how to apply, please go to www.bristol.ac.uk/life-sciences/study/postgraduate.