Addressing the role of the GTPases in human platelet signal transduction cascades using novel recombinant protein tools

About the Project

Platelet activation leading to pathophysiological thrombosis requires the induction of intracellular signalling pathways. Investigation of the roles of members of these pathways is restricted by both the resistance of platelets to genetic manipulation, and by a lack of agonists and antagonists. This project aims to address these problems by developing new technologies to investigate the potential to introduce full length functional proteins into the platelet cytosol.

The new technology will utilise Protein Transduction Domains (PTDs) to introduce bioactive proteins into platelets, which has received little research attention. The scheme is to generate recombinant constitutively active and dominant negative mutant proteins, each tagged with a PTD. Transduction of the constitutively active variant into platelets is expected to activate the cognate signalling pathway, resulting in downstream activatory responses.

The project has three stages, The first stage of this project will be to investigate different cell penetrating technologies, to determine which is the most effective in platelets. Following this, a recombinant constitutively active Rab1b protein will be generated, and its effect on platelet activation will be investigated. Finally, this technology will be used to investigate the role of platelet GTPases, for which no role has yet been ascribed.

Project location: Cambridge campus. Prospective candidates who would not be Cambridge-based are encouraged to contact the principal supervisor prior to application (contact details below).

Candidates for this PhD Studentship must demonstrate outstanding qualities and be motivated to complete a PhD within 3 years.

Qualifications:

Applicants should have a minimum of a 2.1 Honours degree in a relevant discipline. An IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 minimum (or equivalent) is essential for candidates for whom English is not their first language.

In addition to satisfying basic entry criteria, the University will look closely at the qualities, skills, and background of each candidate and what they can bring to their chosen research project in order to ensure successful and timely completion.

As the project will be using human blood, applicants should be HepB vaccination, and have a HepB antibody titre test prior to starting the project.

How to apply:

To apply, please complete the application form available from the following website: Biomedical Science - MPhil, PhD - ARU. Please ensure the reference ‘PhD Studentship: Addressing the role of the GTPases in human platelet signal transduction cascades using novel recombinant protein tools’ is clearly stated on the application form, under the title ‘Outline of your proposed research’. Within this section of the application form, applicants should include a 500-word outline of the skills that they would bring to this research project and detail any previous relevant experience.

Interested applicants should direct initial queries about the project to Prof Nicholas Pugh via email: np24@aru.ac.uk. For enquiries regarding the process and eligibility please contact SE-Research@aru.ac.uk.

Interviews are scheduled to take place in July 2026.

We value diversity at Anglia Ruskin University and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Closing Date – 01st July 2026.

Funding Notes

A 3-year studentship is offered, intended to start in September 2026, providing a tax-free stipend of £21,805 per annum plus a full fee-waiver for tuition fees. Due to funding restrictions, this studentship is only available as a full-time position.