Nanopore profiling of specialised ribosomes

Recent evidence has shown that the composition of ribosomes is highly variable in terms of protein and rRNA. This altered composition can result in ‘specialised ribosomes’, which regulate the translation of specific pools of mRNAs. Further evidence points towards an important role for changes in ribosome composition and ribosome specialisation in disease, including in viral infection and ribosomopathies (e.g. Diamond-Blackfan Anaemia). <br /> <br /> One of the challenges in dissecting specialised ribosomes is small sample size, given their tissue/developmental time-point -specific formation. This project aims to implement a new technology based on glass nanopores as a useful analytical tool, complementing cryo-EM and mass spectrometry for the structural analysis of ribosomes and ribonucleic particles.<br /> <br /> You will work within the Bragg Centre for Materials Research developing new approaches involving the use of nanopores for the profiling of ribosome samples. You will take advantage of our recent discovery that macromolecular crowding enhances the sensitivity of a nanopore to study ribosome specialization in a range of model organisms. You will have the possibility to collaborate with Oxford Nanopore Technologies to implement this nanopore technology with their proprietary technology that was originally developed for DNA and RNA sequencing and expand its application to ribosome profiling. <br /> <br /> You will be part of a large collaborative team working on the ‘RiboCode’ project. For more details see the team website https://ribocode.org/<br /> <br /> Your project will be aligned with Ribocode’s aim to understand ribosome specialisation across eukaryotes. Your work will have the potential to impact our understanding of several human diseases, including ribosomopathies, cancers and viral infection, and enable the modulation of ribosome translation in future medical, agricultural and biotechnological applications.<br /> <br /> You will be based in the laboratories of Dr Paolo Actis and Dr Julie Aspden allowing you to get a multidisciplinary training in cutting edge approaches applied to RNA Biology.<br /> <br /> Please do contact Dr Paolo Actis at p.actis@leeds.ac.uk if you want to know more about the project and how it can be tailored to your specific needs.

<p>You can read more about our preliminary work showing on:</p> <p tabindex="0"><a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acssensors.0c01642">Ribosome Fingerprinting with a Solid-State Nanopore</a></p> <p tabindex="0"><a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.nanolett.0c02246">Macromolecular Crowding Enhances the Detection of DNA and Proteins by a Solid-State Nanopore</a></p> <p tabindex="0">and see our Lab profiles:</p> <p tabindex="0"><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/electronic-engineering/staff/806/dr-paolo-actis">Dr Paolo Actis</a></p> <p tabindex="0"><a href="https://aspdenlab.weebly.com/">Dr Julie Aspden</a></p> <p tabindex="0">and here you can acces the <a href="https://ribocode.org/">Ribocode</a> project page</p>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for <em><strong>EPSRC DTP Engineering & Physical Sciences</strong></em> and in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is a <em><strong>PhD in Nanopore profiling of specialised ribosomes</strong></em> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/electronic-engineering/staff/806/dr-paolo-actis">Dr Paolo Actis</a> as your proposed supervisor.</p> <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> <p>Applications will be considered after the closing date.  Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application.  We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Friday 31 January 2025:</p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement and Research Proposal</li> <li>CV</li> </ul>

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 class="MsoNoSpacing">A highly competitive EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award providing full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant at the standard UKRI rate (£19,237 in academic session 2024/25) for 3.5 years.  Training and support will also be provided.</p> <p>This opportunity is open to all applicants.  All candidates will be placed into the EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award Competition and selection is based on academic merit.</p> <p><strong>Important: </strong>Please note that that the award does <em><strong>not</strong></em> cover the costs associated with moving to the UK.  All such costs (<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/international-visas-immigration/doc/applying-student-visa">visa, Immigration Health Surcharge</a>, flights etc) would have to be met by yourself, or you will need to find an alternative funding source. </p> <p>Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p>For further information about this project, please contact Dr Paolo Actis by email to <a href="mailto:p.actis@leeds.ac.uk">p.actis@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information about your application, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p> </p>