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University of Bath

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PhD in Peptide Activation of TFEB for Neurodegeneration University of Bath in United Kingdom

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Cell Biology

Funding

A 4-year GW4 BioMed3 MRC DLP studentship covering tuition fees, a stipend of £21,805 per annum for 2026/27 (updated annually), and research training/support funding of up to £5,000 per annum depending on project requirements. Open to Home and International students, though international awards are limited and funding does not cover visa, healthcare surcharge, or moving costs.

Deadline

Oct 21, 2026

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Country

United Kingdom

University

University of Bath

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Keywords

Cell Biology
Biochemistry
Molecular Biology
Chemistry
Biomedical Engineering
Biophysics
Biology
Structural Biology
Autophagy
Neuropsychology
Neurodegenerative Disease

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About this position

PhD opportunity at the University of Bath in peptide design, TFEB activation, autophagy, lysosome biology, neurodegeneration, biochemistry, biophysics, cell biology, molecular biology, structural biology, and neuroscience.

This project is part of the GW4 BioMed3 MRC Doctoral Landscape Programme (DLP), which offers up to 17 studentships for entry in September 2026. The project asks whether designed peptides can directly activate TFEB, a key regulator of cellular waste clearance, to improve recycling and protein clearance in neuronal models relevant to Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.

You will work at the University of Bath with specialist training at the University of Bristol. The supervisory team is Prof Jody Mason (Bath), Dr Bernadette Carroll (Bristol), and Prof Matt Crump (Bristol). The project combines computational peptide design, intracellular peptide library screening, recombinant protein work, biophysical assays, structural analysis, and cell biology.

Research tasks include discovering and optimising TFEB-binding peptides, determining how they bind and affect TFEB function, and testing whether they enhance lysosomal function, autophagic flux, and clearance of disease-associated proteins such as α-synuclein. Training will be provided, and prior specialist experience in peptide chemistry or structural biology is not essential.

Eligibility: applicants should have, or be about to obtain, a first or upper second-class UK honours degree (or equivalent) in medical sciences, computing, mathematics, or the physical sciences. A lower second-class degree may be considered with a Merit or above in a master’s degree. Non-UK applicants must meet the University of Bath English language requirements.

Funding: the studentship covers tuition fees, a stipend of £21,805 per annum for 2026/27 (updated annually), and up to £5,000 per annum for research training and support. Home and international students may apply, but international awards are limited and do not cover visa or healthcare surcharge costs.

Deadline: applications close at 17:00 GMT on 21 October 2026. Apply directly through the GW4 BioMed3 DLP online application form; you may apply for up to two projects. Do not apply to the University of Bath at this stage.

Funding details

A 4-year GW4 BioMed3 MRC DLP studentship covering tuition fees, a stipend of £21,805 per annum for 2026/27 (updated annually), and research training/support funding of up to £5,000 per annum depending on project requirements. Open to Home and International students, though international awards are limited and funding does not cover visa, healthcare surcharge, or moving costs.

What's required

Applicants must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a first or upper second-class UK honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate area of medical sciences, computing, mathematics or the physical sciences. Applicants with a lower second-class degree will only be considered if they have a Merit or above in a master’s degree. Academic qualifications are considered alongside significant relevant non-academic experience. Non-UK applicants must also meet the English language entry requirements of the University of Bath.

How to apply

Submit a formal application directly to the GW4 BioMed3 DLP using its online application form. You may apply for up to two projects and only one application per candidate. Do not apply to the University of Bath at this stage; only successful funding candidates will later apply for study at Bath.

More information can be found here

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