Development of innovative label-free methods to investigate the binding properties and degradation efficiencies of PROTACs

About the Project

We are seeking two PhD students to join the research group of Dr Rebecca Beveridge in the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry at the University of Strathclyde. These projects sit at the interface of chemistry, biophysics, and drug discovery, and will focus on the development of advanced mass spectrometry methods to study targeted protein degradation. The projects are part-funded by Waters, providing the opportunity for you to spend some time on-site at Waters and gain industrial experience.

Targeted protein degraders, including PROTACs, are an exciting new class of therapeutic molecules that induce the destruction of disease-relevant proteins. However, there remains a major need for analytical tools that can rapidly and directly measure how these molecules function. These studentships will develop next-generation mass spectrometry methods to characterise degrader-induced protein complexes and ubiquitination processes, with applications in both academia and the pharmaceutical industry.

The projects will involve:

• Development of native mass spectrometry methods for analysing PROTAC complexes and ubiquitination.
• Investigation of ternary complex formation and functional degradation outcomes.
• Development of in vitro and cellular ubiquitination assays.
• Automated sample delivery and high-throughput analytical workflows.
• Analysis of complex biological samples using state-of-the-art instrumentation.

The students will receive extensive training in:

• Native protein mass spectrometry and ion mobility
• Protein biophysics and structural biology
• Quantitative analysis of protein complexes
• Method development and analytical instrumentation
• Scientific communication and presentation skills

The two studentships are closely aligned scientifically and will contribute to a shared overarching goal, providing a highly collaborative and supportive research environment.

If you wish to discuss any of the details informally, please contact Dr Rebecca Beveridge (rebecca.beveridge@strath.ac.uk).

Entry Requirements:

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).

How to apply:

Please send your C.V., a cover letter and details of two referees to Dr Beveridge (rebecca.beveridge@strath.ac.uk). The cover letter should outline why you’re interested in this project and describe your relevant experience.