signalling to cellular metabolism, tissue-specific responses and repair pathways in experimental and human arthritis.
The doctoral candidate will:
- Characterise MCTR3 receptor signalling, second-messenger responses and downstream phosphoproteomic pathways.
- Define how MCTR3 reprogrammes macrophage and fibroblast metabolism, efferocytosis and reparative functions.
- Validate key pathways in experimental arthritis and human synovial-tissue systems to identify tractable therapeutic checkpoints.
Training and research environment
GPCR pharmacology; second-messenger analysis; mammalian cell culture; phosphoproteomics; lipidomics and metabolomics; macrophage and fibroblast functional assays; transcriptomics; immunology; and human tissue analysis.
Candidate profile
A background in pharmacology, biochemistry, immunology, molecular biology or cell signalling, with experience in mammalian cell culture and quantitative laboratory methods. A strong interest in receptor pharmacology is essential.
Candidates of any nationality are welcome to apply. Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain by October 2026, a Master’s degree (or equivalent qualification) that permits doctoral enrolment at QMUL. Applicants must not already hold a doctoral degree, must be proficient in English, and must satisfy the MSCA mobility rule: they must not have resided or carried out their principal activity in the United Kingdom for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately preceding recruitment.
Application information
For more information, please visit: https://harpnet.eu/recruitment/
For any queries related to the applications please contact: info@harpnet.eu
Funding Notes
This is a fully funded Doctoral Candidate position within HARPNET, a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network. HARPNET brings together universities, hospitals and industry partners across Europe to advance Resolution Pharmacology: the science of actively switching off harmful inflammation and promoting tissue repair. The doctoral candidate will join an international cohort of 15 researchers and undertake interdisciplinary training, network activities and international secondments.
The funding includes an employment contract and the applicable MSCA living and mobility allowances; family allowances may apply where eligible. Candidates should submit one central HARPNET application and may rank up to three project choices.
