Proteome wide analysis for discovery of novel cell cycle machinery in trypanosome parasites

About the Project

Trypanosomatid parasites such as Trypanosoma brucei cause Sleeping Sickness, Chagas disease and Leishmaniasis, contributing to significant global health burdens. These unicellular eukaryotes are evolutionarily distant from humans and lack many canonical cell‑cycle regulators, yet they maintain remarkably precise control of cell division. Understanding how they achieve this provides an opportunity to uncover parasite‑specific biology and identify previously unexplored therapeutic targets.

This PhD project investigates how T. brucei regulates its cell cycle, with a focus on discovering novel cyclin‑dependent kinase inhibitors (CDKis). While several cyclin‑dependent kinases are essential for parasite proliferation, no inhibitory partners have been identified to date. The student will explore the “dark proteome” of thousands of uncharacterised proteins to uncover new regulators of cell‑cycle progression.

You will join the project at a highly productive stage: the supervisory team has developed a high‑throughput imaging and computational pipeline that quantifies protein abundance, localisation and dynamics across the cell cycle without requiring synchronisation. By combining AI‑driven image segmentation, automated identification of subcellular structures, and in silico reconstruction of the cell‑cycle trajectory, this pipeline is now ready to be applied at scale to an extensive collection of endogenously tagged proteins.

The student will be trained in cutting‑edge experimental and computational techniques, including:

• Advanced fluorescence microscopy, including super‑resolution and single‑molecule imaging
• AI‑based image analysis and large‑scale data processing
• Single‑cell bioinformatics and trajectory inference
• CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, inducible knockdowns, and endogenous protein tagging
• Structural bioinformatics, including AlphaFold predictions and structural homology searches

The project follows a discovery‑to‑validation structure. First, the student will identify candidate regulators by analysing large‑scale imaging datasets for proteins with dynamic expression across cell‑cycle stages or subcellular compartments. Next, structural predictions and comparison with known eukaryotic cell‑cycle regulators will highlight potential CDK inhibitors and their predicted interactions. Finally, experimental validation using genetic manipulation, microscopy and single‑molecule imaging will test whether these candidates interact with CDKs to control cell‑cycle transitions.

This PhD will appeal to students excited by parasite biology, cell‑cycle regulation, or translational discovery in neglected tropical diseases. It is ideal for candidates who enjoy integrating wet‑lab experimentation with AI‑driven analysis. The project offers a supportive, interdisciplinary environment and training in highly transferable skills spanning molecular genetics, imaging, bioinformatics and quantitative biology.

Funding

Students who have, or are expecting to attain, at least an upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject, are invited to apply. Funding is available for Home (UK) students to cover tuition fees, a tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate (indicative amount in year 1 in 2026-27, £21,805) and research costs, for four years. Applicants normally required to cover International fees will have to cover the difference between the Home and the International tuition fee rates. There is no additional funding available to cover NHS Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) costs, visa costs, flights etc.

Funding for this studentship is awarded on a competitive basis and is not guaranteed; availability will depend on the outcome of the selection process and subject to final approval by the University.

HOW TO APPLY

Please complete the following application form – Google Form

Applicants can only apply for 1 project; any additional applications will not be accepted.

Applicants should send the following documents to FMSstudentships@newcastle.ac.uk:

• a CV (including contact details of at least two academic (or other relevant) referees).
• a Cover letter – stating your project choice, as well as including additional information you feel is pertinent to your application.
• copies of your relevant undergraduate degree transcripts and certificates.
• a copy of your IELTS or TOEFL English language certificate (where required)
• a copy of your passport (photo page).

(You can check that you meet Newcastle University English Language requirements using this link - International Students: English Language Requirements | Newcastle Uni | Newcastle University)

A GUIDE TO THE FORMAT REQUIRED FOR THE APPLICATION DOCUMENTS IS AVAILABLE

Please submit your documents in the following format only:

• each document should be submitted as a separate attachment and should be named as follows: candidate surname, candidate name – document type. For example: Jones, Jamie – CV; Jones, Jamie – cover letter.
• Please submit .pdf documents where possible for your CV, cover letter, transcripts and certificates. Do not submit photos of certificates.
• Do not combine documents into one pdf. You may zip separate documents into a zip file to send via email if required.
• When emailing your application, please use the email subject header: FMS PhD Application 2026

Applications not meeting these criteria may be rejected.

Informal enquiries may be made to the lead supervisor of the project you are interested in.

The deadline for all applications is 12 noon BST (UK time) on Wednesday 20th May 2026.