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University of Bristol

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Funded PhD in Targeted Covalent Macrocycles for Immune-Mediated Diseases at University of Bristol University of Bristol in United Kingdom

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Biochemistry

Funding

Funded through the GW4 BioMed3 MRC Doctoral Landscape Programme. Covers UK tuition fees and a Doctoral Stipend matching the UK Research Council National Minimum (£21,805 p.a. for 2026/27, updated annually). Additional research training and support funding of up to £5,000 per annum is available.

Deadline

Oct 21, 2026

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Country

United Kingdom

University

University of Bristol

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Keywords

Biochemistry
Molecular Biology
Chemistry
Biomedical Engineering
Biology
Structural Biology
Medical Science
Phage Display
Autoimmunity

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About this position

Funded PhD project at the University of Bristol in the School of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences with Dr Maisem Laabei on targeted covalent macrocycles for immune-mediated diseases.

The project focuses on the complement system and pathway-specific inhibition of key serine proteases, especially C1s and factor D, to develop more selective therapies for inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. Research themes include biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, phage display, chemical synthesis, structural biology, and bioinformatics.

Students will identify and characterise targeted covalent macrocycle inhibitors, test complement activity using protease assays and ELISA-based complement activation assays, and investigate structural mechanisms through co-crystal studies. The project also mentions optional directions such as developing new chemical linchpins, X-ray crystallography/cryo-EM, deep-sequencing analysis pipelines, and in vitro pathogen-killing assays.

This is a funded PhD for students worldwide. Funding includes UK tuition fees, a Doctoral Stipend at the UK Research Council National Minimum, and additional research training/support funding of up to £5,000 per year.

Apply via the GW4 BioMed website by the stated deadline. You may select up to two projects and submit one application per candidate. If shortlisted, you will later need to apply for an offer to study at the chosen institution.

Funding details

Funded through the GW4 BioMed3 MRC Doctoral Landscape Programme. Covers UK tuition fees and a Doctoral Stipend matching the UK Research Council National Minimum (£21,805 p.a. for 2026/27, updated annually). Additional research training and support funding of up to £5,000 per annum is available.

What's required

Applicants should be interested in an interdisciplinary PhD spanning chemistry, microbiology, and molecular biology. The project is suitable for students who want to work on phage display, protease inhibition, structural biology, complement assays, and/or bioinformatics. The post does not state specific degree class, GPA, or language-test requirements.

How to apply

Review the GW4 BioMed website for the list of projects and application instructions. Select up to two projects and submit one application per candidate. Complete the online application form for an offer of funding by 5:00pm on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, then apply to study at the chosen institution if shortlisted.

More information can be found here

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