PhD Studentship: Chemical Biology to target bacteria: Inhibiting bacterial growth by controlling cell division protein interactions
University of East Anglia
Primary Supervisor - Dr Andrew Beekman Antibiotic-resistant pathogens are a huge threat in healthcare and farming. The last resorts of conventional antibiotic drugs are unable to treat multi-resistant strains in patients. New approaches towards antibiotics are desperately needed. To spread and survive, bacteria need to divide. Thus, bacterial cell division has emerged as a promising antibiotic target pathway to combat multi-resistant pathogens. This project aims to target protein interactions that pathogenic bac...
Primary Supervisor - Dr Andrew Beekman Antibiotic-resistant pathogens are a huge threat in healthcare and farming. The last resorts of conventional antibiotic drugs are unable to treat multi-resistant strains in patients. New approaches towards antibiotics are desperately needed. To spread and survive, bacteria need to divide. Thus, bacterial cell division has emerged as a promising antibiotic target pathway to combat multi-resistant pathogens. This project aims to target protein interactions that pathogenic bac...
Opportunity details
Primary Supervisor - Dr Andrew Beekman Antibiotic-resistant pathogens are a huge threat in healthcare and farming. The last resorts of conventional antibiotic drugs are unable to treat multi-resistant strains in patients. New approaches towards antibiotics are desperately needed. To spread and survive, bacteria need to divide. Thus, bacterial cell division has emerged as a promising antibiotic target pathway to combat multi-resistant pathogens. This project aims to target protein interactions that pathogenic bacteria, like the causative agent of TB, Mycobacterium tuberculosis require to spread. Using Mycobacteria smegmatis as a harmless model organisms for M. tuberculosis, the project will design, synthesise and test compounds which specifically prevent the formation of essential protein interaction for cell division. The appointed student will design, synthesise, and test compounds which specifically prevent essential protein-protein interactions used by pathogens to spread. An innovative platform, developed in the supervisor’s lab, will be used to design peptides that can disrupt the formation of protein complexes that facilitate disease. This interdisciplinary chemical biology and microbiology project will involve training in cutting-edge science including computational design and peptide synthesis, as well as evaluation of the compounds for binding to proteins and their inhibitory activity in bacteria. Led by Dr Andrew Beekman and Dr Susan Schlimpert, there is an opportunity to learn medicinal chemistry/chemical biology, protein biochemistry, and microbiology, using facilities across the School of Chemistry, Pharmacy and Pharmacology and The John Innes Centre. The student will be based in a highly collaborative research environment with a strong commitment to exc...
Eligibility
You will have, or expect to obtain a first class, 2(i) or equivalent Honours degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, or a related area. The programme offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th February 2027. To maximise accessibility and attract students from underrepresented groups to our programme we have introduced bespoke templates for applicant Personal and Research statements which will enable every applicant to fully represent themselves through providing suitable examples and evidence.
Requirements
You will have, or expect to obtain a first class, 2(i) or equivalent Honours degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, or a related area. The programme offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th February 2027. To maximise accessibility and attract students from underrepresented groups to our programme we have introduced bespoke templates for applicant Personal and Research statements which will enable every applicant to fully represent themselves through providing suitable examples and evidence.
Funding and benefits
Funding eligibility: UK Students, EU Students, International Students. Funding amount: £21,805.
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Recorded source check: October 22, 2026. A stored check date does not guarantee that every field is complete or still current. Compare the provider, eligibility, funding and deadline with the live official call before applying.
Benefits
Funding eligibility: UK Students, EU Students, International Students. Funding amount: £21,805.
Eligibility summary
You will have, or expect to obtain a first class, 2(i) or equivalent Honours degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, or a related area. The programme offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th February 2027. To maximise accessibility and attract students from underrepresented groups to our programme we have introduced bespoke templates for applicant Personal and Research statements which will enable every applicant to fully represent themselves through providing suitable examples and evidence.
Requirements
You will have, or expect to obtain a first class, 2(i) or equivalent Honours degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, or a related area. The programme offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th February 2027. To maximise accessibility and attract students from underrepresented groups to our programme we have introduced bespoke templates for applicant Personal and Research statements which will enable every applicant to fully represent themselves through providing suitable examples and evidence.
Documents required
application form
Language/test requirements
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