MSCA PhD Fellow in Cross-Disciplinary Glycoscience Research (DC1 – Biocolloid binding and transport in glycocalyces) University of Leeds in United Kingdom

The University of Leeds invites applications for the MSCA PhD Fellow in Cross-Disciplinary Glycoscience Research (DC1 – Biocolloid binding and transport in glycocalyces), part of the GLYCOCALYX Horizon Europe Doctoral Network. This prestigious network offers a multidisciplinary training programme, connecting academic and industrial partners to advance the understanding of the mammalian glycocalyx—a dense and complex coat of sugar chains (glycans) covering virtually all mammalian cells. The glycocalyx is essential for multicellular life, playing critical roles in inter-cellular communication, tissue development, homeostasis, repair, immune responses, neuronal connectivity, and symbiosis with bacteria. Dysregulation of the glycocalyx can lead to immune diseases, neurodegeneration, and cancer, and it also acts as a frontline defense against pathogens, some of which have evolved to exploit it for infection.

Despite its importance, the mammalian glycocalyx remains under-studied due to the historical lack of preparative and analytical tools and missing physics rules to interpret experimental observations. The GLYCOCALYX Network will train 15 PhD Fellows in chemistry, physics, and biology methods to resolve the dynamic organisation of glycocalyces. Three of these PhD Fellows will be hosted at the University of Leeds, where they will receive cutting-edge scientific training and industry-relevant transferable skills, preparing them for careers in the medical technology sector and related research and innovation.

As the MSCA PhD Fellow (DC1) in Leeds, you will develop new analytical tools to probe the sticky diffusion of biocolloids in molecularly defined models of the glycocalyx and decipher the physical rules governing these diffusion processes. The project aims to establish universal physics rules for biocolloid diffusion and enrichment by combining expertise in model glycocalyces, advanced microscopy methods, and computational simulations. These rules will enable the rational design of regulators of glycocalyx permeation, with applications in interfering with pathogen-host cell interactions and targeted delivery into cells.

The research will focus on the glycocalyx 'forest' and its role in controlling cell-surface access for a wide range of biocolloids, including signalling proteins, extracellular vesicles, and pathogenic agents. The project will investigate how biocolloid size relative to glycocalyx pore size and weak biocolloid-glycocalyx interactions modulate enrichment and transport rates. You will confront experimental data with theory and simulations, collaborating with network partners across Europe.

The student will be embedded in a collaborative research environment within the GLYCOCALYX Doctoral Network, benefiting from close interaction with academic and industrial partners and a comprehensive programme of training and professional development. The position is fully funded, offering a Marie Sklodowska-Curie PhD Fellow salary of £53,780 per annum for three years (plus family allowance if applicable), in line with MSCA Doctoral Network requirements and subject to tax and National Insurance deductions.

Applicants should have a strong academic background in biochemistry, biophysics, physical chemistry, or biomedical engineering, with research experience and a keen interest in developing physics and chemistry tools to study protein/glycan interactions. Application materials must include a letter of motivation, CV, two references or their letters, and transcripts of all higher education courses. Applications should be submitted online by 23.59 (UK time) on March 30, 2026. For further information, contact Dr Ralf Richter at [email protected].

For more details and to apply, visit the University of Leeds application portal: https://jobs.leeds.ac.uk/Vacancy.aspx?ref=EPSPA1135.