Frank Sobott

This PhD project at the University of Leeds, under the Yorkshire Bioscience Doctoral Training Partnership (YBDTP), investigates the molecular mechanisms of amyloid aggregation in vivo, a process central to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Despite advances in understanding protein aggregation in vitro, the triggers and suppressors of aggregation within the complex cellular environment remain poorly understood. The project aims to uncover what cellular and patient-specific factors drive or contain amyloid aggregation, and which molecular species should be targeted for therapeutic intervention. The research will employ advanced structural mass spectrometry (MS) and cryo-electron tomography (CryoET) to directly study amyloid processes in tissue. CryoET enables visualization of well-ordered structures like amyloid fibrils in their native cellular context, while MS provides detailed characterization of unstructured proteins, sequence variants, noncovalent interaction partners, and the micro-environment around fibrils, as well as soluble intermediates and molecular chaperones. The project also integrates computational modeling (molecular dynamics) and AI-based structural predictions in collaboration with the University of Nottingham, offering a transformative, interdisciplinary approach to understanding amyloid aggregation. Both in vitro assays and tissue samples will be used to structurally and functionally characterize aggregation intermediates, with the ultimate goal of identifying improved drug targets for neurodegenerative disease therapy. The YBDTP provides a comprehensive doctoral training program, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and equipping students with research and professional skills for bioscience careers. The studentship is fully funded for four years, covering a tax-free stipend, research costs, and tuition fees at the UK rate. Exceptional international applicants may be eligible for full studentships, though visa and health surcharge costs are not included. Applicants should have at least an upper second-class honours degree in a relevant science or mathematics field and meet the University of Leeds entry requirements, including English language proficiency if required. The program values diversity and encourages applications from underrepresented groups. The application deadline is January 7, 2026, and shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview. For more information, prospective students can contact Prof Frank Sobott or visit the provided research group and partnership websites.

Fully funded PhD opportunity at the University of Leeds in collaboration with AstraZeneca. The project is titled EPSRC DLA with AstraZeneca: Smart Sorbents for Cost-Effective, Sustainable Oligonucleotide & Oligopeptide Purification and is based in the School of Chemistry and the Institute for Process Research and Development , with additional supervision from the Astbury Centre for Molecular Structural Biology . The research focuses on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for selective purification of oligonucleotides and oligopeptides (TIDES), combining computational chemistry , materials chemistry , separation science , and flow chemistry to improve sustainability and reduce solvent use in pharmaceutical manufacturing. The project is supervised by Dr Andrea Laybourn , Dr Orde Munro , Professor Frank Sobott , and Dr Louis Diorazio at AstraZeneca. The successful candidate will gain interdisciplinary training in MOF synthesis and characterisation, adsorption behaviour, computational modelling, and advanced analytical methods for biological macromolecules. A major benefit is a fully funded 3-month placement at AstraZeneca’s R&D site in Macclesfield. Funding includes full academic fees and a tax-free maintenance grant at the standard UKRI rate of £21,805 for 3.5 years . The opportunity is open to UK-fees applicants only due to funder requirements. Eligibility highlights include a first-class or upper second-class Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline; some applicants may also need a Masters degree depending on the research degree criteria. Non-native English speakers must meet the University’s minimum English language requirement (IELTS 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component or equivalent). Applications must be submitted through the University of Leeds research degree portal. The deadline is 30 June 2026 , and the project start date is 1 October 2026 . Applicants should select the correct application type and course, state the project title clearly, name Dr Andrea Laybourn as proposed supervisor, and upload transcripts, a personal statement, and a CV.