This exciting project offers a unique opportunity to combine bioinformatics, computational biology, and next-generation sequencing to identify new targets and therapeutics for cell cycle changes, cell plasticity, and cell death.

Project Overview

This interdisciplinary project focuses on:

1. Developing an in-silico framework for identifying new genetic and protein targets and potential therapies.
2. Investigating genetic and protein changes during various stages of the cell cycle and their role in disease progression, ageing, and cell death.
3. Utilizing single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq), spatial transcriptomics, and high-throughput ‘omics technologies to study molecular changes at the cellular level.
4. Exploring protein-drug interactions through high-throughput drug docking and molecular-dynamics simulations to identify novel therapeutic interventions.

This work will provide key insights into how genetic and protein markers can be targeted for specific stages of cellular development and lead to novel therapies for diseases and ageing-related changes.

Your Responsibilities

As a PhD student, you will:

• Build and manage a large-scale repository of single-cell RNA sequencing data, spatial transcriptomic data, and high-throughput ‘omics data.
• Develop computational pipelines for identifying genetic and protein targets using advanced bioinformatics tools.
• Conduct molecular-dynamics simulations to study protein-drug interactions.
• Present your research at national and international conferences.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and contribute to peer-reviewed publications.

Eligibility Requirements

We are hiring an enthusiastic candidates with:

• A strong background in bioinformatics, computational biology, molecular biology, or a related field.
• Experience with next-generation sequencing data, single-cell sequencing, or spatial transcriptomics is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with molecular-dynamics simulations and drug docking will be an advantage.
• Proficiency in programming languages (e.g., Python, R) and data analysis tools.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• A passion for tackling challenging problems in cell biology and therapeutic discovery.

What We Offer

This fully funded studentship includes:

• Tuition fees (UK fee rate).
• A tax-free annual stipend.
• A travel and conference budget.
• A generous consumables budget to support your research needs.
• Comprehensive training and development opportunities through the MIBTP program.

How to Apply

1. Informal Enquiries: Contact Dr. Devika Gendoo for an informal discussion.
2. Application Process:
   • Visit the MIBTP PhD application page: MIBTP Application
   • Full eligibility criteria and detailed instructions are available on the Birmingham MIBTP page.
3. Submit your application by 16th January 2025.