The School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences at Queen Mary is one of the UK’s elite research centres, according to the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF). We offer a multi-disciplinary research environment and have approximately 180 PhD students working on projects in the biological and psychological sciences. Our students have access to a variety of research facilities supported by experienced staff, as well as a range of student support services.
Dr Ivan Kadurin's newly established group investigates the structure-function relationship, interactions, and cellular trafficking of neuronal Calcium Channel proteins by focussing on novel pathways for their biological regulation.
In addition to working with Dr Kadurin's group, the position also involves oveseas collaboration with Professor Riccardo Olcese (UCLA) offering opportunities for innovation and application of novel methods (Voltage - Clamp Fluorometry).
Our PhD students become part of Queen Mary’s Doctoral College which provides training and development opportunities, advice on funding, and financial support for research. Our students also have access to a Researcher Development Programme designed to help recognise and develop key skills and attributes needed to effectively manage research, and to prepare and plan for the next stages of their career.
The student will obtain training for biochemical, electrophysiology and imaging methods working with human cell lines and primary neurons. The goal is to understand the structure-function relationship, interactions, and cellular trafficking of neuronal voltage-gated calcium channel proteins, and the mechanism of action of drugs that target these channels to maintain human health and prevent disease.
Voltage – Gated Calcium (Cav) channels control vital physiological processes including neurotransmitter release, neuronal excitability, cardiac contraction, and vascular tone. Abnormal Cav channel regulation can lead to severe human diseases including neuropathic pain and cardiovascular dysfunctions and their studies can help to maintain human health and prevent disease.
The project investigates the structure-function relationship, interactions, and cellular trafficking of neuronal Calcium Channel proteins by focussing on novel pathways for their biological regulation (Please see: eLife2016;5:e21143; eLife2018;7:e37507).
The student will be trained to employ range of molecular techniques from protein chemistry, molecular biology, fluorescent microscopy, and flow cytometry used for investigation of membrane protein traffic, turnover and signalling.
Our group is provided with electrophysiological facility and the position offers the opportunity to gain theoretical and practical knowledge in patch – clamp electrophysiology applied to neuronal ion channel receptors.
Applicants will be enthusiastic about fundamental molecular and cellular mechanisms and discovery-based approaches. The role will involve the day-to-day independent running of the project, performing a range of research tasks, preparation of manuscripts using high-quality data, make oral presentations.
You will be a member of a newly established, enthusiastic team at the Blizard Institute within a thriving community of structural and cell biology research experts of QMUL. The project includes collaborations with experts in AI-based AlphaFold2 protein structure predictions in QMUL (Mathew Day, Vidya Darbari) overseas collaboration with experts in Voltage-Clamp Fluorometry technique (Riccardo Olcese; UCLA).
This studentship is open to students applying for China Scholarship Council funding. Queen Mary University of London has partnered with the China Scholarship Council (CSC) to offer a joint scholarship programme to enable Chinese students to study for a PhD programme at Queen Mary. Under the scheme, Queen Mary will provide scholarships to cover all tuition fees, whilst the CSC will provide living expenses for 4 years and one return flight ticket to successful applicants.
Applicants must be:- Chinese students with a strong academic background.- Students holding a PR Chinese passport.- Either be resident in China at the time of application or studying overseas.- Students with prior experience of studying overseas (including in the UK) are eligible to apply. Chinese QMUL graduates/Masters’ students are therefore eligible for the scheme.Please refer to the CSC website for full details on eligibility and conditions on the scholarship.
Applications are invited from outstanding candidates interested in interdisciplinary biomedical research, with or expecting to receive a first or upper-second class honours degree in an area relevant to the project: biomedical sciences, neuroscience, biochemistry or a related field such as bioengineering. A Masters degree is desirable, but not essential.
Past research experience (internships or summer studentships) will be valuable. Alternately, remote data analysis can also be valuable.
Applicants from outside of the UK are required to provide evidence of their English Language ability. Please see our English Language requirements page for details: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/international-students/englishlanguagerequirements/postgraduateresearch/
Informal enquiries about the project can be sent to Ivan Kadurin at i.kadurin@qmul.ac.uk
Formal applications must be submitted through our online form by 31st January 2024 for consideration, including a CV, personal statement and qualifications. You must meet the IELTS/ English Language requirements for your course and submit all required documentation (including evidence of English Language) by 14th March 2024. You are therefore strongly advised to sit an approved English Language test as soon as possible.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for a formal interview by the supervisor. If you are successful in your 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 by in March 2024 with the support of the supervisor.
Only applicants who are successful in their application to CSC can be issued an unconditional offer and enrol on our PhD programme. For further information, please go to: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/scholarships/items/china-scholarship-council-scholarships.html
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