Identification of novel mitochondrial mechanisms in cellular homeostasis

• Funding – BBSRC funded 4 year studentship, providing tuition fees, training/research costs and an annual stipend at the UKRI rate, currently £21,805
• Start Date – September 2027
• Applicants are expected to have a degree (equivalent of Honours or Masters) in a relevant discipline. 

Molecular dissection of the protein kinase PINK1 and ubiquitin ligase Parkin has revealed a highly conserved mitochondrial quality control pathway found in nearly every cell type including neurons. Upon mitochondrial damage, activation of PINK1 and Parkin leads to ubiquitin-dependent removal of damaged mitochondria by autophagy (mitophagy). The intramitochondrial mechanisms of damaged mitochondria that are targeted for mitophagy are poorly understood. Our laboratory has been deploying powerful new methods to rapidly isolate mitochondria within minutes for biochemical and proteomic analysis. These methods have potential to uncover deep molecular insights into the early changes that occur within mitochondria following damage. The project will harness these methods and combine them with proteomics, metabolomics and lipidomics to determine novel mitochondrial biology that underpins cellular homeostasis. The project will provide outstanding training in the latest methods to to study organelle biology as well as mass spectrometry.

Our research community thrives on the diversity of students and staff which helps to   make the University of Dundee a UK university of choice for postgraduate research. We welcome applications from all talented individuals and are committed to widening      access to  those who have the ability and potential to benefit from higher education.