MSCA PhD Fellow in Cross-Disciplinary Glycoscience Research (DC3 – Targeting tissues using multivalent lectin-glycan interactions) University of Leeds in United Kingdom

The University of Leeds invites applications for the MSCA PhD Fellow in Cross-Disciplinary Glycoscience Research (DC3 – Targeting tissues using multivalent lectin-glycan interactions), part of the Horizon Europe Marie Sklodowska-Curie Doctoral Network (MSCA-DN) GLYCOCALYX. This network unites 15 leading European partners in a multidisciplinary and intersectorial research and training programme, focusing on the self-organisation and barrier functions of the mammalian glycocalyx.

The glycocalyx, a dense and complex coat of sugar chains (glycans) covering mammalian cells, is essential for multicellular life. It plays 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 defence against pathogens, some of which have evolved to exploit it for infection. Despite its importance, the mammalian glycocalyx remains under-studied due to a 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. The projects aim to establish a new understanding of how glycocalyces perform selective barrier functions. Fellows will receive cutting-edge scientific training and industry-relevant transferable skills, preparing them for careers in medical technology and research innovation.

As the MSCA PhD Fellow (DC3) in Leeds, you will develop modular, multivalent glycocalyx probes to study density-dependent lectin–glycan interactions in molecularly defined model systems. You will elucidate the physical and chemical rules underlying superselective targeting, enabling the rational design of probes for super-resolution imaging of glycocalyx organisation and targeted delivery with exceptional cellular selectivity. The project involves developing new polymer scaffolds, using enzymatic and bio-orthogonal chemistry to functionalise lectins, and studying binding behaviour in model glycocalyces using QCM-D. Interactions with neuronal and endothelial cells will be visualised by super-resolution microscopy. The research combines chemical biology, glycoscience, theoretical modelling, and advanced imaging in an interdisciplinary environment.

Applicants should have relevant research experience in chemistry or biochemistry and a keen interest in molecular tools for protein/glycan interactions. The application should include a letter of motivation, CV, contact details for two references (or their letters of recommendation), and transcripts of all higher education courses. The position offers a fixed salary of £53,780 per annum for 3 years (plus family allowance if applicable), in line with MSCA Doctoral Network requirements, subject to tax and National Insurance deductions.

Applications must be submitted online by 23.59 (UK time) on March 30, 2026. For further information, contact Professor Bruce Turnbull ([email protected]) or Dr Ralf Richter ([email protected]). More guidance and the application portal can be found at this link.