University of Edinburgh
Top university
1 week ago
Fully Funded PhD in Pancreatic β-Cell RNA Binding Proteins and Insulin Biosynthesis University of Edinburgh in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Biology
Funding
Competition-funded 4-year PhD studentship. Funding covers stipend and UK-level tuition fees; the University of Edinburgh covers the difference between home and international fees, making the studentship fully funded for all appointees, though there is a cap on international students.
Deadline
Nov 16, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Edinburgh
Apply for this position
You'll sign in first, then continue in your ApplyKite dashboard.
Keywords
Suggested positions
About this position
PhD opportunity at the University of Edinburgh in pancreatic β-cell RNA biology, insulin biosynthesis, and post-transcriptional regulation.
This EASTBIO BBSRC Doctoral Training Partnership project investigates how pancreatic β-cell RNA binding proteins (RBPs) regulate insulin mRNA localisation, translation, stability, and decay under euglycaemic and hyperglycaemic conditions. The work aims to uncover the molecular links between glucose metabolism, RBP regulation, and β-cell dysfunction in type 2 diabetes.
Research themes and methods: pancreatic β-cells, insulin biosynthesis, RNA-binding proteins, post-transcriptional machinery, glucose-stimulated translation, metabolic regulation, diabetes, proteomics, PTMomics, RNAseq, metabolomics, extracellular flux assays, microscopy, qRT-PCR, western blotting, and bioinformatics.
Training environment: the student will receive extensive training in cell culture (rodent/human cell lines and cadaveric donor islets), hormone secretion assays, cellular metabolism measurements, RBP capture, proteomics, RNA analysis, and translation monitoring. The project is based in the vibrant Edinburgh Metabolism research community at the Institute for Neuroscience and Cardiovascular Research.
Funding: competition-funded 4-year PhD studentship. Funding covers stipend and UK-level tuition fees, and the University of Edinburgh covers the difference between home and international fees, making it fully funded for successful appointees. International applicants are welcome, subject to the DTP cap and UKRI eligibility rules.
Eligibility and application: open to UK and international students. Applicants should review UKRI eligibility criteria and the EASTBIO guidance. Submit the EASTBIO Application Form plus academic transcripts by email, and ensure referees send references using the EASTBIO reference template before the deadline.
Deadline: 16 November 2026.
Funding details
Competition-funded 4-year PhD studentship. Funding covers stipend and UK-level tuition fees; the University of Edinburgh covers the difference between home and international fees, making the studentship fully funded for all appointees, though there is a cap on international students.
What's required
Applicants should have interests in RNA biology and/or cellular metabolism. The project is open to UK and international students and is part of the EASTBIO BBSRC Doctoral Training Partnership; applicants should check UKRI and Annex B eligibility criteria. The post highlights training in cell culture, hormone secretion assays, metabolism assays, proteomics, RNA analysis, RNAseq, microscopy, qRT-PCR, western blotting, and bioinformatics.
How to apply
Complete the EASTBIO Application Form and send it with a PDF copy of your academic transcripts to [email protected]. Also ask your referees to submit references using the EASTBIO reference form template to the same email address by the deadline.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.