Key facts
- Type of research degree
- PhD
- Application deadline
- Ongoing deadline
- Country eligibility
- International (open to all nationalities, including the UK)
- Funding
- Non-funded
- Supervisors
- Professor Michelle Peckham
- Additional supervisors
- Dr Darren Tomlinson
- Schools
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology
How do cells make filopodia? Filopodia are thin protrusions that act as pathfinders in cell migration, helping cells to sense where to go, and pulling cells through the extracellular matrix, especially important in driving cancer cell metastasis.<br /> <br /> We know that myosin 10 (Myo10) is essential for filopodial formation. However, we do not understand why. We have a limited understanding of its structure and how it is activated and then able to drive filopodial formation. We do not know how it is organised within filopodial tips and helps the tips of filopodia to stick to the extracellular matrix.<br /> <br /> A combination of structural biology and imaging approaches will help answer these questions. The project will train you to express and purify proteins using the baculovirus system, and then use CryoEM to determine the structure of Myo10 and find out how the motor and tail of this myosin interact to keep it switched off until needed. It will train you in super-resolution imaging (dSTORM) and in correlative fluorescence and cryo-electron tomography to ‘see’ the myosin inside the filopodia, to reveal how it is organised. By the end of the PhD, we hope to gain new insight into how Myo10 makes filopodia.
<p>To apply for this project opportunity applicants should complete an <a href="https://biologicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk/research-degrees/doc/how-to-apply">online application form</a> and attach the following documentation to support their application. </p> <ul> <li>a full academic CV</li> <li>degree certificate and transcripts of marks</li> <li>Evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (if applicable)</li> </ul> <p>To help us identify that you are applying for this project please ensure you provide the following information on your application form;</p> <ul> <li>Select PhD in Biological Sciences as your programme of study</li> <li>Give the full project title and name the supervisors listed in this advert</li> </ul> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>
Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.
The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.
<p>This project is open to applicants who have the funding to support their own studies or who have a sponsor who will cover these costs. </p> <p> </p>
<p>For information about the application process please contact the Faculty Admissions Team:</p> <p>e: <a href="mailto:fbsgrad@leeds.ac.uk">fbsgrad@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>