About the Project
Midlands Integrative Biosciences Training Partnership
The Midlands Integrative Biosciences Training Partnership (MIBTP) is a BBSRC funded Doctoral Training Partnership between Coventry University, the University of Warwick, the University of Birmingham, the University of Leicester, Aston University and Harper Adams University.
Students from a wide diversity of academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Projects are available for excellent students in our Research Centre for Discoveries in Life Sciences
Project Outline
Dysregulation of receptors such as PAC1 and PTH1R has been linked to major neurological and endocrine disorders. Although several Class B1 GPCR-targeting drugs have been approved, designing selective receptor modulators remains challenging because of the dynamic nature of peptide-binding sites and the limited understanding of receptor activation and inhibition mechanisms.
This project will combine advanced computational modelling and experimental pharmacology to discover novel modulators of Class B1 GPCRs. Using PAC1 and PTH1R as primary model systems, the PhD candidate will investigate both antagonist and agonist discovery strategies, establishing principles applicable across the wider receptor family.
The research will focus on three key areas:
- Structural dynamics and druggable pocket identification. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations will be used to investigate receptor conformational landscapes, revealing transient binding pockets, allosteric sites, and molecular mechanisms underlying receptor activation and inhibition.
- Rational ligand design and virtual screening. Structure-based drug design approaches will be employed to identify compounds that selectively modulate receptor function. For PAC1, the focus will be on discovering peptide and small-molecule antagonists capable of blocking receptor signalling. For PTH1R, the project will explore both agonists and antagonists, including the design of compounds targeting intracellular allosteric sites inspired by the first-in-class small-molecule agonist PCO371.
- Experimental validation. Candidate molecules will be tested in mammalian cells expressing Class B1 GPCRs. Functional assays will quantify receptor signalling and assess potency, efficacy, selectivity, and mechanism of action, enabling iterative refinement of computational predictions.
Studentship details
As an MIBTP Scholar you will join a comprehensive Training Programme that runs concurrently with your PhD.
- Full tuition fees (at UK rate)*
- A tax free annual stipend (currently £21,805 in academic year 2026-27)
- A travel/conference budget
- A generous consumables budget
- Use of a MacBook Pro for the duration of the programme.
*Coventry University will fund the difference between the UK tuition fee rate and the international tuition fee rate.
Entry criteria
- Minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average
- An adequate proficiency in English must be demonstrated by applicants whose first language is not English. The general requirement is a minimum overall IELTS Academic score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each of the four sections, or the TOEFL iBT test with a minimum overall score of 95 with a minimum of 21 in each of the four sections.
Find out more about Coventry University's entry criteria.
More information
In order to apply for a Midlands Integrative Biosciences Training Partnership PhD you must:
Check your eligibility.
- Complete the ED&I form, which also acts as an expression of interest in MIBTP and helps us monitor our ED&I commitments at every step of the application process
- Our academic directors and the shortlisting panel do not have access to the EDI form and will not see your EDI responses
- Complete an application form
- Review the MIBTP Data Privacy PolicyLink to understand how we process your personal data.
To find out more information, contact Katie.Choudhry@coventry.ac.uk for administrative questions.
Visit the frequently asked questions page.
Funding Notes
Tuition fees and Stipend