BBSRC Yorkshire Bioscience DLA Programme: Convergence or divergence? Evolution of phagocytosis molecular mechanisms in animal macrophages

About the BBSRC Yorkshire Bioscience Doctoral Training Partnership (YBDTP):

The YBDTP brings together world-class bioscience research and innovation, as well as excellence in doctoral supervision, across the Yorkshire and Teesside region. The YBDTP will fund postgraduate researchers at the Universities of Leeds, Sheffield, York, Bradford, Huddersfield, Hull, Leeds Beckett, Sheffield Hallam and Teesside forming a strong regional training partnership. In YBDTP you'll benefit from a regional doctoral training programme that has interdisciplinary collaboration at its core. The aim is to enable you to develop a range of research skills in biological, biotechnology and biochemical areas as well as equip you with core data analysis and professional skills that are necessary for bioscience research and related non-academic careers.

https://www.yorkshirebiosciencedtp.ac.uk

Project Description:

Macrophages are a conserved cell type in all animal lineages and play critical roles in immunity, homeostasis, and repair in health and disease. A key function of these cells is phagocytosis of dying cells, debris and pathogens, while the plasticity of these important innate immune cells. These functions are conserved over the evolution of all animals but very little is known about the comparative and convergent evolution of the different functions and their molecular regulation of macrophages. 

In this project we will investigate two key components of the molecular evolution of phagocytosis across animals: 1. Regulation of the actin cytoskeleton during phagocytosis; 2. Recognition of targets of phagocytosis. To do this we will use different experimental models across the evolution of animals. The supervisory team has unique expertise in this area with a published track record on macrophage biology across insects, fish, birds and mammals. This project will have an experiment focus on the use of Drosophila fruit flies and human primary macrophages but will take advantage of genome sequencing, molecular genetics and in silico modelling across the animal kingdom. 

Objectives:

• Determine the minimal actin regulatory components required for successful phagocytosis. 
• Identify and test receptors that can mediate successful regulation of the actin cytoskeleton during phagocytosis across animal evolution. 
• Use experimental and computational approaches to test different receptor and actin regulator sets to understand where different molecular sets have been used to perform phagocytosis. 

The student will receive training in a wide range of multidisciplinary skills including genetics, cell biology, live imaging, molecular biology, computational modelling, data analysis, scientific writing and communication as well as developing knowledge of areas including innate immunity, molecular evolution microbiology, phagocytosis, actin and microtubule cytoskeletons. The knowledge they generate will be presented from basic cell and evolutionary/developmental biologists to immunologists/clinicians. 

For informal enquiries about the project, please contact Prof Simon Johnston ([Email Address Removed])

Link to website: https://sheffield.ac.uk/smph/people/academic/clinical-medicine/simon-johnston

Eligibility:

Open to International (including EU) and UK (home) students.

You can apply if you have, or are expecting to gain, at least an upper second-class honours degree or equivalent. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of this programme, we welcome applications if your background is in any biological, chemical or physical science or mathematics and are interested in using your skills in addressing biological questions. International students should check if they meet the entry requirements for the host university.

We aim to support the most outstanding applicants from outside the UK and are able to offer a very limited number of bursaries that will enable full studentships to be awarded to international (EU and non-EU) applicants. These full studentships will only be awarded to exceptional quality candidates, due to the highly competitive nature of this scheme. 

The YBDTP is committed to recruiting extraordinary future scientists regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or career pathway to date. We understand that commitment and excellence can be shown in many ways and have built our recruitment process to reflect this. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in science, who have curiosity, creativity and a drive to learn new skills.

Not all projects will be funded; a limited number of candidates will be appointed via a competitive process.

English language: If English isn't your first language, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. Please see the English language requirements for the host university.

How to apply:

Application deadline: 5pm (UK time), Wednesday 7th January 2026

To submit your application, click on the link to the Expression of Interest form (also found in the Funding Notes section) of any of your chosen projects. You can apply for up to two YBDTP projects (which can be at different universities).

If you have any questions about the application process, please email [Email Address Removed]

If you have any questions about the project you are interested in, please email the project supervisor.

How we allocate:

Shortlisting will take place as soon as possible after the closing date and successful applicants will be notified promptly. If you're shortlisted, you'll be invited for an interview on a date to be confirmed in February 2025. You'll be notified as soon as possible after the interview dates whether your application has been successful, placed on a reserve list or unsuccessful. If you are successful, you'll be required to confirm your intention to accept the studentship within 10 days.

Terms and conditions:

The studentships are fully funded for four years, and you must complete your PhD in four years.

You'll receive the UKRI minimum doctoral stipend per year for your living costs, which is paid to you in regular installments. The UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) stipend is tax free and does not need to be paid back.

International students will need to have sufficient funds to cover the costs of their student visa, NHS health surcharge, travel insurance and travel to the UK as these are excluded from UKRI funding.