Understanding molecular interactions of cardiovascular ion channels

Are you interested in studying how molecular interactions of ion channels affect their localisation, function, structure and pharmacology?<br /> <br /> A 3.5-year PhD scholarship is available in the School of Medicine for a start between 1st June 2026 and 1st October 2026. This scholarship is open to UK applicants who meet the eligibility criteria for PhD studies in the School of Medicine and covers tuition fees plus a maintenance stipend (at UKRI rate).<br /> <br /> This fully funded PhD place provides an exciting opportunity to pursue postgraduate research on a family of ion channels emerging as potential targets for treatment of cardiovascular and metabolic disease, cancer and disorders of the central nervous system (incl. depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder).<br /> <br /> This interdisciplinary, laboratory-based project provides opportunities to study the localisation, structure, function and molecular interaction of cardiovascular ion channels using a selection of: protein engineering, cellular assays (calcium measurements and conventional or planar patch-clamp electrophysiology), chemical proteomics, imaging (fluorescence and electron microscopy) and structure determination by cryo-electron microscopy.<br /> <br /> The candidate will be embedded within a well-funded team and have access to state-of-the-art facilities within the Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology and the Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine. Appropriate training (incl. laboratory techniques and instruments, data analysis, scientific research, scientific writing & publishing) will be provided by academic supervisors, experienced postdoctoral researchers, and dedicated facility staff.

<h5>Project overview and importance</h5> <p>The closely related proteins TRPC1, TRPC4 and TRPC5 assemble to form tetrameric, nonselective cation channels that allow passage of sodium, potassium and calcium. TRPC1/4/5 channels act as cellular sensors that respond to external stimuli such as temperature, pH, metal ions, lipids, and small molecules. These channels are thought to allow animals and humans to integrate with their environment.</p> <p>Overactivity of TRPC1/4/5 channels has been linked to various diseases of the brain, nervous system, cardiovascular system and kidneys, feeding, social interaction and maternal care, as well as forms of cancer. Indeed, TRPC1/4/5 channels inhibitors are currently being pursued as potential treatments for mental health disorders, pain, heart failure and obesity.</p> <p>Our work focuses on gaining detailed understanding of how TRPC1/4/5 channels are modulated by drug-like small molecules, lipids, and other proteins, and exploiting this knowledge for cardio-metabolic drug discovery.</p> <p>In this project, we will study the interactions of specific TRPC1/4/5 channels with other proteins and with drug-like small molecules, in vitro and in the cellular context. This will be achieved using a selection of techniques from the fields of chemical, molecular and structural biology/pharmacology, and electrophysiology.</p> <p>The work will take place in the adjacent laboratories of <a href="https://medicinehealth.leeds.ac.uk/medicine/staff/1194/dr-robin-s-bon">Prof. Robin Bon</a> and <a href="https://medicinehealth.leeds.ac.uk/medicine/staff/1121/professor-david-j-beech">Prof. David Beech</a> (Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine), and in the <a href="https://astbury.leeds.ac.uk/">Astbury Centre</a>, which hosts state-of-the-art facilities for protein production, cryo-electron microscopy/tomography, bio-imaging, (chemical) proteomics and molecular interaction analysis. Specialist support will be provided by experienced postdocs working in the Bon and Beech groups.</p> <h5>Further Reading</h5> <ul> <li>Bon et al. <strong>2022</strong>, <em>Pharmacology of TRPC Channels and Its Potential in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine </em><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34499525/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34499525/</a></li> <li>Bauer et al. <strong>2020</strong>, <em>Xanthine-based photoaffinity probes allow assessment of ligand engagement by TRPC5 channels </em><a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10655067/ ">https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10655067/ </a></li> <li>Porav et al. <strong>2025</strong>, <em>(-)-Englerin A binds a conserved lipid site of TRPC5 and exposes a Met-aromatic motif in channel activation</em> <a href="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.09.663840v1">https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.09.663840v1</a></li> </ul>

<p>To apply for this scholarship opportunity applicants should complete an <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">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 scholarship project please ensure you provide the following information on your application form;</p> <ul> <li>Select PhD in Medicine as your programme of study</li> <li>Give the full project title and name the supervisors listed in this advert</li> <li>For source of funding please state you are applying for a LICAMM Scholarship</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 this scholarship in the School of Medicine should normally have an Undergraduate degree of 2:1 or above (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject area. A Master’s degree is desirable, but not essential. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Admissions Team prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for postgraduate research study in the School of Medicine is an IELTS of 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 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.

<p>We are offering 1 full-time PhD scholarship in the School of Medicine for one UK candidate, covering a maintenance grant matching the UKRI stipend rate (£20,780 for 2025/26) and UK tuition fees for three years, subject to satisfactory progress. The award will be made for one year in the first instance and renewable for a further period of up to to 2.5 years subject to satisfactory academic progress. </p> <p><strong>Other Conditions</strong></p> <ul> <li>Applicants must not have already been awarded or be currently studying for a doctoral degree</li> <li>The anticipated start date of the award is betweeen 1^st June 2026 and 1^st October 2026</li> <li>The project is primarily laboratory-based. Therefore, applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this scholarship</li> </ul>

<p>For further information about the admissions process, please contact the FMH PGR Admissions team at <a href="mailto:fmhpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk">fmhpgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information about the project, please contact Prof. Robin Bon at <a href="mailto:R.Bon@leeds.ac.uk">R.Bon@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>