PhD programme

MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit (MRC PPU) Prize Studentships

The MRC PPU offers Prize Studentships in the areas of signal transduction and DNA repair, with strong emphasis on analysis of protein phosphorylation and ubiquitylation and on links with human disease. The Unit has a major interest in drug discovery, bolstered by the award-winning Division of Signal Transduction therapy (DSTT) which was created by the MRC PPU and which is funded by six major pharmaceutical companies.

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Eligibility

EU,

International,

UK

Source of funding

External organisation

Medical Research Council

The MRC PPU is based in the School of Life Sciences.

Deciphering how disruptions in phosphorylation and ubiquitin networks lead to disease will reveal novel drug targets and improved strategies to treat these maladies in the future. Recent research has highlighted an exquisite interplay between phosphorylation and ubiquitin pathways that regulate many physiological systems. This includes pathways of relevance to understanding innate immunity, Parkinson's disease and cancer. Central questions being addressed by the research groups in the MRC PPU include; understanding how ubiquitin and phosphorylation pathways are organised, characterising the interplay between these pathways, determining how they recognise and respond to signals, and uncovering how disruption of these networks causes disease.

The PhD programme offered by the PPU provides research training to candidates with an outstanding academic record and strong interest in carrying out research on the roles of protein phosphorylation in cell regulation and human disease. Although the Unit operates its own PhD programme, its students are registered with the University of Dundee.

MRC PPU Prize studentships are 4-year studentships, which involve rotations in two MRC PPU labs in the first year. The key elements of the programme consist of:

  • PhD projects in laboratories run by internationally renowned scientists
  • Structured training and mentoring programme
  • Competitive stipend of £20,000 per annum, tuition fees, relocation allowance and £2000 towards attendance at conferences and training courses.
  • Interaction with internationally renowned pharmaceutical companies

Further information

For further information, including how you can apply for this programme, please visit the MRC PPU webpage.

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