Applications open for a fully-funded PhD scholarship

Project: Development of broad-spectrum host-targeting antivirals against coronaviruses. 

Start date: 1 Jan 2025

About the project: Viruses manipulate host pathways upon infection, activating cellular signalling pathways leading to changes in host cell protein phosphorylation. Kinases that regulate these pathways have been suggested to be important antiviral drug targets. We have identified several kinase-targeting proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) molecules that have anti-coronavirus activity. This project aims to take this further, to develop these PROTACs as pan-coronavirus inhibitors and investigate their mechanism of action using a combination of molecular biology and cell biology techniques. This project provides a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of virology research, making important contributions towards understanding the fundamental aspects of coronaviruses, as well as having a positive impact on public health measures for infection control. 

More information about the project can be found here. 

Funding: Fully-funded for UK students. Includes stipend at the UKRI rate (currently £19,237/year). 

Eligibility: Applicants must:

• Possess a UK Honours degree in Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences or related fields with at least an upper second class (or overseas equivalent), a Masters Degree in similar fields, or an academic or professional qualification plus experience in their sector or industry.

• Be enthusiastic about the research topic.

• Demonstrate the ability to clearly communicate complex ideas to a variety of audiences.

• Be self-motivated and able to work independently and with a team.

• Demonstrate competence in the use of the English language. Please see section 5b here for further details on meeting our English language entry criteria.

How to apply: 

Please send the following documents to PGRscholarships@dmu.ac.uk:

• A completed DMU Scholarship Application Form

• A 2-page CV

• 2 Academic References.

Please see the DMU Scholarship website for more details on the application process.

Deadline: 26 July 2024

Applied Microbiology International LAM ECS Symposium 2024

The Applied Microbiology International Letters in Microbiology Early Career Scientists (LAM ECS) Symposium was held on 15th May 2024, in Bristol UK. This annual conference brings together microbiologists from across the UK, and provides a supportive and inclusive environment for early career researchers to present their work and network.

Our PhD students, Gemma Cooper and Brandon Moulds presented posters on their work. Gemma's poster summarised her work on the antiviral activity of volatile compounds against Nigella sativa, and Brandon presented his work investigating novel methods of norovirus infection control.

Congratulations to Gemma for winning the AMI Policy Prize linked to the UN SDGs, awarded for her poster!

DMU Health and Life Sciences PGR Conference 2024

The Faculty of Health and Life Sciences PGR conference was held on 1st May this year. Our PhD students contributed towards the organisation of the event, with Brandon Moulds chairing the conference committee, and Gemma Cooper and Dolgormaa Jamchivlamdan as student members. The conference consisted of various sessions including posters, flash talks, workshops and presentations by Ph.D. and M.Res students from the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences.

Brandon presented a flash talk about his research on disinfection of norovirus. Gemma presented a poster on her work investigating the antiviral activity of volatile Nigella sativa compounds, for which she was awarded second place in the Poster Competition!

In addition, Gemma and Brandon organised workshops on wider transferable skills. Alongside Dr Harprit Singh, Gemma presented a workshop on giving good presentations and improving scientific communication.

Finally, Gemma and Brandon presented a workshop on our outreach activities - "How can an 8-year-old with a NERF gun help your PhD viva?" - a talk which generated much interest and enthusiasm for engaging with public outreach activities!