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School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences

Understanding ubiquitin conjugation in immunity and inflammation

Project Overview

We are excited to invite applications from passionate and motivated candidates to join the Stieglitz Lab for a PhD in Structural Biology at Queen Mary University of London This position offers an opportunity to delve into cutting-edge research on the project titled “Understanding ubiquitin conjugation in immunity and inflammation.” Our research is focused on unravelling the molecular mechanisms of the ubiquitin system, which plays a key role in controlling various cellular processes, including immune responses and host-pathogen interactions.

The project will leverage the Stieglitz lab’s expertise in the structural and functional analysis of ubiquitin ligases and their regulators. For more details on our work, visit stieglitz-lab.com. We aim to uncover ubiquitin conjugation pathways in atomic detail using structural techniques such as cryo-EM, X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy. Our well-equipped lab is also home to a large range of biophysical instruments such as PEAQ-ITC, fluorescence spectroscopy, stopped-flow, and SEC-MALLS, allowing for the precise analysis of protein systems. We are looking for an ambitious, enthusiastic PhD student eager to make a significant impact in the field of ubiquitin biology. You will have the chance to collaborate with a supportive team of researchers, learn a variety of advanced techniques in protein biochemistry, crystallography, cryo-EM, and biophysical characterization, and develop expertise in structural data processing.

If you are ready to contribute to exciting research on the ubiquitin sytem in infection and immunity and advance your skills in structural biology, we encourage you to apply!

Research Environment

The successful candidate will join the Centre for Structural Biology at the Blizard Institute, supported by cryo-EM, X-ray crystallography and the protein purification facilities. The lab is equipped for qualitative and quantitative protein analysis using biophysical instruments such as PEAQ-ITC, fluorescence spectroscopy, and stopped-flow. Visit stieglitz-lab.com

Find out more about the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences on our website.

Keywords: Ubiquitin system, Inflammation, Infection, Immunity, Cryo-EM, Host-Pathogen Interaction

Entry Requirements

We are looking for candidates to have or expecting to receive a first or upper-second class honours degree and a Master’s degree in an area relevant to the project such as Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Structural Biology

Knowledge of in molecular cloning, protein expression and purification would be highly advantageous but are not required.

You must meet the IELTS requirements for your course and upload evidence before CSC’s application deadline, ideally by 1st March 2025. You are therefore strongly advised to sit an approved English Language test as soon as possible, where your IELTS test must still be valid when you enrol for the programme.

Please find further details on our English Language requirements page.

How to Apply

Formal applications must be submitted through our online form by 29th January 2025 for consideration. Please identify yourself as a ‘CSC Scholar’ in the funding section of the application.

Applicants are required to submit the following documents:

  • Your CV
  • Personal Statement
  • Evidence of English Language e.g.) IELTS Certificate
  • Copies of academic transcripts and degree certificates
  • References

Find out more about our application process on our SBBS website.

Informal enquiries about the project can be sent to Dr Ben Stieglitz AT b.stieglitz@qmul.ac.uk Admissions-related queries can be sent to sbbs-pgadmissions@qmul.ac.uk

Shortlisted applicants will be invited for a formal interview by the supervisor. If you are successful in your QMUL application, then you will be issued an QMUL Offer Letter, conditional on securing a CSC scholarship along with academic conditions still required to meet our entry requirements.

Once applicants have obtained their QMUL Offer Letter, they should then apply to CSC for the scholarship with the support of the supervisor.

For further information, please go to the QMUL China Scholarship Council webpage.

Apply Online

References

  1. N4BP1 functions as a dimerization-dependent linear ubiquitin reader which regulates TNF signalling. Katarzyna W. Kliza, et al. Cell Death Discov. 2024. 10(1):183. 
  2. Structural basis for ubiquitylation by HOIL-1. Wu Q, et al. Front. Mol. Biosci. 2023. 9:1098144: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.1098144
  3. HHARI in motion reveals an unexpected substrate recognition site for RBR ligases. Stieglitz B. Structure 2022. 30;9: 1221-23
  4. Ubiquitin Activation Is Essential for Schizont Maturation in Plasmodium Falciparum Blood-Stage Development. Green J.L., et al. PLOS Pathogens 2020. 22;16(6)
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