molecules are found there, or how their molecular organisation supports their function.
The student will use cell biology, structural biology and biochemistry to investigate eIF2B body composition, structure and dynamics. They will learn fluorescence microscopy, cryogenic sample preparation, focused ion beam milling and cryogenic electron tomography to visualise molecular organisation directly inside cells, complemented by in vitro assembly assays, mass photometry and mass spectrometry. Because mutations in eIF2B cause vanishing white matter disease, and altered stress-response signalling is linked to other neurodegenerative conditions, the project connects curiosity-driven molecular biology with disease-relevant questions in human health.
Eligibility
Candidates are expected to hold, or be about to obtain, a minimum upper second-class undergraduate honours degree, or equivalent, in biochemistry, structural biology, biophysics, cell biology or a related subject area. Research experience in protein biochemistry, membrane protein purification, structural biology or biophysical spectroscopy is desirable.
Before you Apply
Applicants must make direct contact with preferred supervisors before applying. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to meet with potential supervisors, prior to submitting a formal online application.
How to Apply
To be considered for this project you MUST submit a formal online application form – on the application form select PhD Biochemistry Programme. Full details on how to apply can be found on the Website: How to apply for postgraduate research at The University of Manchester
If you have any queries regarding making an application please contact our admissions team FBMH.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full Equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on the website: Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI | Postgraduate Research | Biology, Medicine and Health | University of Manchester
Funding Notes
Applications are invited from self-funded students. This project has a Band 3 (high) fee. Details of our different fee bands can be found on our website View Website
References
Feng MW, Mossanen-Parsi A, Stonys V, Hubbard SJ, Ashe MP, Grant CM. P-bodies act as dynamic control hubs for RNA processing and storage. J Biol Chem. 2026;302(3):111273.
Jennings MD, Srivastava P, Kershaw CJ, Talavera D, Grant CM, Pavitt GD. Interaction of the La-related protein Slf1 with colliding ribosomes maintains translation of oxidative-stress responsive mRNAs. Nucleic Acids Res. 2023;51(11):5755–5773.
Kershaw CJ, Nelson MG, Castelli LM, Jennings MD, Lui J, Talavera D, Grant CM, Pavitt GD, Hubbard SJ, Ashe MP. Translation factor and RNA binding protein mRNA interactomes support broader RNA regulons for post-transcriptional control. J Biol Chem. 2023;299(10):105195.
Titarenko and Roseman. Optimal 3D angular sampling with applications to cryo-EM problems. Journal of Structural Biology. 2024;216:108083.
Adomavicius T, Guaita M, Zhou Y, Jennings MD, Latif Z, Roseman AM, Pavitt GD. The structural basis of translational control by eIF2 phosphorylation. Nature Communications. 2019;10:2136.
