About the Project
RNA does not act alone. Its functions are controlled by interactions with hundreds of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), which determine where an RNA is localised, how long it survives and whether it is translated. One of the most important ways cells regulate RNA is through chemical modification. Among these, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant internal modification of eukaryotic mRNA. Although m6A is known to regulate many aspects of RNA metabolism, we still do not understand the…
principles that determine which RNA–protein interactions are sensitive to m6A.
This PhD project will investigate how m6A reshapes RNA–protein interactions in living human cells. The project will combine an established quantitative technology, incPRINT, with a human cell system in which the m6A writer METTL3 can be rapidly depleted using an existing degron cell line. The student will first benchmark the approach using well-characterised m6A-dependent RNA–protein interactions, before using incPRINT to systematically identify RBPs whose association with cellular RNAs is altered following loss of METTL3 and reduced m6A.
The project will then investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying these changes. A key question will be whether the effects of m6A extend beyond direct recognition by canonical m6A reader proteins. Previous work has shown that m6A can alter local RNA structure and thereby expose or hide neighbouring RBP-binding sites. The project will investigate whether this principle represents a broader mechanism for regulating RNA–protein interactions and determine which sequence and structural features make individual RNA sites sensitive to m6A. Candidate interactions identified by the screen will be investigated using targeted molecular and cellular experiments, integrating RNA sequence, structure and protein-interaction data, and selected candidates will be functionally tested to determine how altered RNA–protein interactions affect RNA regulation.
This project will provide interdisciplinary training at the interface of RNA biology, molecular and cell biology, quantitative interaction technologies and computational analysis. The student will develop expertise in mammalian cell culture, RNA and protein analysis, quantitative RNA–protein interaction assays, experimental design and analysis of large-scale datasets.
Understanding how chemical information encoded in RNA influences protein recruitment is a fundamental challenge in gene regulation, with broader relevance to RNA biotechnology and strategies for manipulating RNA function. The project will provide an opportunity to discover new principles of RNA regulation while gaining highly transferable skills in cutting-edge molecular and quantitative biology.
For more information on the project, eligibility and how to apply for the School's PhD programme, please click on the "Visit Institution Website" link.
Please download and complete the mandatory documents from the EastBio “how to apply” website, before proceeding with your application.
Applicants should apply to the PhD in Biological Sciences with Internship programme via the University of Edinburgh’s admissions portal (Euclid) with a start date of 01 October 2027.
Important: Before applying, please send your referees the EastBio reference form to ensure reference letters are submitted using the correct format.
When completing the Euclid application, applicants should include:
- the project title
- the proposed research supervisor(s)
- anticipated funding source (i.e. EastBio/ Edinburgh Doctoral College Award)
- the completed EastBio application form, uploaded to the Research Proposal Section
- referee details or completed reference letters using the template EastBio reference form. Please note: If you submit only the referee details, they will automatically receive a link to upload their reference letter. However, the submitted letter must be using the template form, so please share this with them in advance.
The closing date for applications to be submitted to Euclid is midday on Monday 16 November 2026.
Reference letters will be accepted up to 2 weeks after the closing date.
Submitted applications will remain under consideration during the shortlisting process until 22 February 2027, when successful candidates will be invited to interview. If any information is missing from your application, we will contact you through Euclid to request this. Please check your emails and the Euclid portal regularly.
Please be aware The University reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to amend or withdraw any of the advertised scholarships, without further notice.
Funding Notes
This 4 year PhD project is fully funded. Applicants will be considered for either an EastBio BBSRC Doctoral Landscape Award or the University of Edinburgh Doctoral College Award. Successful applicants will join the EastBio cohort as an EastBio-funded or associate-funded student. Those joining will undertake a mandatory training programme which includes a 3-month placement. This is open to students worldwide has financial support with a monthly stipend at the UKRI standard rate, funding towards project costs, and tuition fee cover. For further guidance; EastBio website; no separate application is required for consideration of the University of Edinburgh Doctoral College Award.