Indrajit Lahiri

This fully funded PhD project, part of the BBSRC Yorkshire Bioscience Doctoral Training Partnership (YBDTP), aims to unravel the mechanisms of apicoplast genome organisation in Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite responsible for malaria. The apicoplast, a non-photosynthetic plastid, is essential for parasite survival and contains its own genome. Understanding how this genome is compacted and decompacted is crucial, as it is mediated by the HU protein, a bacterial histone-equivalent with unique features in Plasmodium. The project will employ advanced single molecule biophysical techniques, including optical tweezers and smFRET, alongside single particle electron cryomicroscopy (cryoEM) and NMR, to develop a comprehensive understanding of apicoplast DNA compaction. This research will not only advance fundamental knowledge of DNA organisation but also inform future structure-based antimalarial drug development, addressing the challenge of multi-drug resistant malaria. The successful candidate will join the School of Biosciences at the University of Sheffield, working in a supportive, world-class research environment with access to cutting-edge facilities. The project is interdisciplinary, involving collaboration with Exciting Instruments, a leader in single molecule instrumentation, offering opportunities for both academic and industry engagement. Applicants from biological, chemical, physical sciences, or mathematics backgrounds are encouraged to apply, especially those interested in applying their skills to biological questions. The studentship is open to UK, EU, and international students, with a competitive selection process and a limited number of full studentships for international candidates. The award covers a tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26), tuition fees at the UK rate, and research costs for four years. Applicants must have or expect to obtain at least an upper second-class honours degree or equivalent. English language proficiency may be required for non-native speakers. The application deadline is 7 January 2026, with interviews scheduled for February 2025. For more information or to apply, candidates should submit an expression of interest form via the YBDTP website.

The Lahiri Lab at the University of Sheffield is offering multiple UKRI-funded PhD studentships for candidates passionate about science and research. The lab focuses on essential processes of genome replication, repair, and compaction in eukaryotic parasites, particularly those belonging to the phylum Apicomplexa, which cause diseases such as malaria and toxoplasmosis. Current projects include: (1) a BBSRC-funded CASE studentship investigating the organisation of the Plasmodium organellar genome using advanced techniques like cryoEM, NMR, smFRET, and optical tweezers; (2) a BBSRC-funded studentship studying the architecture of stress-responsive nuclear condensates and their role in diseases like cancer, combining cell biology and cryoEM; and (3) an EPSRC-funded studentship focused on understanding how post-translational modifications activate enzymes involved in photosynthesis, using enzymology, cryoEM, NMR, and SACS. The lab employs cutting-edge biochemical and biophysical methods to answer fundamental questions about DNA transactions in parasites. Successful applicants will join a dynamic research environment and have the opportunity to work with state-of-the-art instruments and collaborate with experts in the field. Funding is provided through competitive UKRI studentships, covering stipend and tuition fees. Applicants should have a strong background in biology, biochemistry, cell biology, or related disciplines, and meet the University of Sheffield's PhD entry requirements. For more information and to apply, visit the Lahiri Lab website and review the project-specific links.