Position Summary
The University of Bath, in partnership with the South West Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (SWBio DTP), is offering a fully funded, highly interdisciplinary PhD studentship. This project focuses on the cutting-edge field of Targeted Protein Degradation (TPD), aiming to discover and optimize novel ligands for underexplored E3 ubiquitin ligases using advanced chemical biology, structural biology, and high-throughput screening techniques.
PhD Position: Rational Design of Novel Degraders for Targeted Protein Degradation, University of Bath, UK
Key Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| Designation | PhD Student / Doctoral Researcher |
| Research Area | Targeted Protein Degradation, Chemical Biology, Structural Biology, Ubiquitin |
| Location | University of Bath, United Kingdom (with co-supervision at the University of Bristol) |
| Funding Body | BBSRC (via SWBio DTP) |
| Application Deadline | August 2, 2026 |
| Project Start Date | September 2026 |
Research Area: Targeted Protein Degradation (TPD) via rational ligand discovery for underexplored E3 ubiquitin ligases using chemical and structural biology.
Job / Project Description
Targeted Protein Degradation (TPD) via PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) is transforming modern drug discovery by selectively removing disease-causing proteins. However, current designs only utilize a fraction of the ~600 human E3 ligases due to a lack of suitable ligands.
Project Aims:
- Discover and optimize novel ligands for an underexplored E3 ubiquitin ligase using high-throughput aptamer-SELEX technology.
- Conduct complementary screens for affimers, macrocyclic peptides, and covalent ligands.
- Characterize ligand binding modes and molecular structures using biophysical techniques, including NMR spectroscopy.
- Incorporate promising candidates into next-generation BioPROTAC and PROTAC molecules and evaluate their efficacy in cell-based assays (flow cytometry, western blotting, high-content microscopy, etc.).
Training Provided:
The successful candidate will receive extensive hands-on training in molecular biology, structural biology, biophysical characterization, and cellular functional assays, providing a robust foundation for a career in academia or the pharmaceutical industry.
Eligibility & Qualifications
- Academic Degrees: Applicants must hold, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree (or international equivalent) in an appropriate area of science or technology.
- Note: Lower Second Class degree holders will be considered only if they also possess a Master’s degree awarded with Merit.
- Mathematical Requirement: Due to the quantitative emphasis of the taught first-year coursework, a minimum of Grade B in A-level Maths (or equivalent qualification/experience, such as Physics A-level or university modules with significant statistics/bioinformatics components) is strictly required.
- Experience: Prior laboratory experience with protein biochemistry, nucleic acid technologies, or biophysical methods is highly advantageous.
- English Language Proficiency: If English is not your first language, an Academic IELTS score of 6.5 overall (with no less than 6.5 in any of the four sub-skills) or an equivalent approved test is required.
How to Apply
- Informal Enquiries: Interested candidates are encouraged to make informal contact with the lead supervisor, Dr. Julien Licchesi, via email at j.licchesi@bath.ac.uk.
- Formal Submission: Applications must be submitted directly through the University of Bath Application Portal.
- Crucial Step: Applicants must explicitly highlight their mathematical background within the application and upload supporting evidence (e.g., transcripts or certificates) to meet the math criteria.
Last Date to Apply
- Application Closing Date: Sunday, August 2, 2026
- Interview Timeline: First-stage interviews are scheduled to take place during the week commencing August 10, 2026.
