Dissecting the link between lipid peroxidation and receptor signalling in metabolic disease.

About the Project

Overview of the Research:

We are seeking a talented PhD student to join our vibrant research group at the University of Bath. This is a fantastic opportunity to pursue multidisciplinary research and develop high-precision proteomics, pharmacology and computational approaches. You will investigate the previously unexplored link between lipid peroxidation in cell membranes and the function of membrane receptors, GPCRs, in metabolic disease. You will:

i) generate stable cell lines, develop GPCR signalling assays and lipid peroxidation assays;

ii) develop APEX2 proximity proteomics workflows and bioinformatics analysis pipelines;

iii) develop chemoproteomics workflows and modification site mapping.

You will benefit from working in the GPCR chemical biology/proteomics[1] and metabolic signalling labs at Bath (with M. Shchepinova and F. Koumanov) and train with a leading proteomics lab at Imperial (with E. Tate).

At the end of the project, you will develop a multidisciplinary skillset spanning molecular biology, GPCR pharmacology, cell-based assays, lipid peroxidation assays, proximity proteomics, chemoproteomics and bioinformatics, and computational/AI modelling. This training will position you strongly for careers in chemical biology, GPCR biology/drug discovery or metabolic diseases in academia, biotech or pharma.

Background:

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a growing health crisis, and finding effective cures remains a major challenge. Many T2D drugs target specific proteins on our cells called GPCRs, which control blood sugar[2]. Successful drugs like Ozempic exist, but are not the final answer due to side-effects and painful injections, whereas many similar drugs fail in trials or work inconsistently between patients. Why?

This project offers a unique perspective on this problem. In T2D, a type of oxidative cellular damage called lipid peroxidation is greatly increased[3]. Lipid peroxidation creates harmful substances that permanently stick to proteins[4]. Importantly, this damage occurs in cell membranes, right where GPCRs sit. Our hypothesis is: could LPO be affecting how GPCRs work and stopping drugs from working properly?

Significance:

Your work will help explain why some T2D drugs fail, stop working as the diseases progresses or work differently in people. Ultimately, this could pave the way for designing smarter therapies, potentially treatments tailored to an individual’s level of cell damage, helping millions with T2D live better lives.

Candidate Requirements:

We welcome applicants with a background in biochemistry, chemical biology, molecular biology, or related fields. Prior experience in e.g. cell culture, GPCR biology and proteomics is very helpful but not essential – we value curiosity, rigor and desire to learn.

Applicants should hold, or expect to receive, a First Class or high Upper Second Class UK Honours degree (or the equivalent) in a relevant subject. A master’s level qualification would also be advantageous.

Enquiries and Applications:

Informal enquiries are encouraged and should be directed to Dr Maria Shchepinova

Formal applications should be submitted via the University of Bath’s online application form for a PhD in Chemistry prior to the closing date of this advert.

IMPORTANT:

When completing the application form:

1. In the Funding your studies section, select ‘University of Bath URSA’ as the studentship for which you are applying.
2. In the Your PhD project section, quote the project title of this project and the name of the lead supervisor in the appropriate boxes.

Failure to complete these two steps will cause delays in processing your application and may cause you to miss the deadline.

More information about applying for a PhD at Bath may be found on our website.

PLEASE BE AWARE: Applications for this project may close earlier than the advertised deadline if a suitable candidate is found. We therefore recommend that you contact the lead supervisor prior to applying and submit your formal application as early as possible.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:

We value a diverse research environment and aim to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated and respected. We welcome and encourage applications from under-represented groups.

If you have circumstances that you feel we should be aware of that have affected your educational attainment, then please feel free to tell us about it in your application form. The best way to do this is a short paragraph at the end of your personal statement.

Project keywords: G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs); GPCR pharmacology; lipid peroxidation; metabolic disease; type 2 diabetes; APEX2 proximity proteomics; chemoproteomics; molecular biology.

Funding Notes

Candidates may be considered for a University of Bath studentship tenable for 3.5 years. Funding covers tuition fees, a stipend (£21,805 p/a in 2026/7) and access to a training support budget.

References

1. Shchepinova MM, et al. Spatiotemporally resolved GPCR interactome uncovers unique mediators of receptor agonism. Cell Chem Biol. 2025 May 15;32(5):722-735.e7. doi: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2025.04.006. 
2. Barella, L.F., et al., Metabolic roles of G protein-coupled receptor signaling in obesity and type 2 diabetes. FEBS J, 2021. 288(8): p. 2622-2644. 
3. Fatani, S.H., et al., Lipid peroxidation is associated with poor control of type-2 diabetes mellitus. Diabetes Metab Syndr, 2016. 10(2 Suppl 1): p. S64-7. 
4. Shin, Y., et al., Modulation of D1-like dopamine receptor function by aldehydic products of lipid peroxidation. Brain Research, 2003. 968(1): p. 102-113.