School Funded PhD Studentship available in the University of Huddersfield’s School of Applied Sciences: Decoding Life or Death Decisions: How BMX Molecular Interactions Govern Cancer Cell Fate

About the Project

Cell fate outcome, whether a cell lives or dies, is determined at the molecular level by numerous regulatory proteins including some beyond standard apoptotic pathways. BMX tyrosine kinase is one of these regulatory proteins, whose activity simultaneously promotes cell proliferation and inhibits commitment to apoptotic cell death. However, the mechanism by which BMX is activated, regulates its cellular localisation, and interacts with its apoptotic substrates remains unknown. BMX is a multi-domain protein containing an N-terminal PH domain which binds to cellular membranes to facilitate cell signalling events and act as a scaffold to bring multiple binding partners into close association to increase signalling efficiency and function. The PH domain of BMX is frequently mutated in Cancer. This project will therefore first analyse the BMX PH domain to identify the regions required for both protein and lipid binding to characterise the role the PH domain plays in regulating BMX activity in response to cell signalling events and cellular localisation.  Secondly, the impact of Cancer relevant mutations within the PH domain on lipid and substrate binding will be established using biochemical, structural biology and cell biology techniques. Thirdly, structure-driven drug design will be used to identify molecules to modulate protein/lipid binding and evaluate BMX PH domain as a novel therapeutic target in Cancer.

For subject specific enquiries please contact: j.fox3@hud.ac.uk.

Name of supervisor(s) - Dr Joanna Fox

Fully funded PhD research scholarships are offered in the School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, for an October 2026 start.

Please note that there are more projects than funded scholarships available, therefore this is a competitive application process. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview by the 18th June 2026. The interviews will be held on campus on the 25th June 2026. After interview the most outstanding applicants will be offered a scholarship.

Application Details

You must submit your application in full by Friday 5th June 2026, including the following documents:

• A motivational email as to why you wish to apply for the scholarship, stating which project you are applying for.
• Full CV
• Provide copies of transcripts and certificates of all relevant academic and/or any professional qualifications.
• Provide references from two individuals – please contact your referees and ask them to send your reference directly to gs.pgradmissions@hud.ac.ukfrom their email address. (references can be submitted late but must be received by 12th June 2026)
• Proof of eligibility – e.g. scan of passport photo page

Please email gs.pgradmissions@hud.ac.uk with queries regarding eligibility and submitting documents. Informal enquiries about individual projects should be directed to the lead supervisor listed for each project.

Summary of Award

Type of Award             Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Eligibility                      Open to home applicants only. Applicants must have an upper-class degree or above, in a related field or be in line for this award in the 2026 summer examinations.

Location                       Huddersfield

Funding                        3 years full-time research covering tuition fees and a tax-free bursary (stipend) starting at £21,805 for 2026/27.