Matthew Crump

This PhD project, offered through the South West Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (SWBio DTP) and hosted at the University of Bath, focuses on the rational design of novel degraders for targeted protein degradation. The SWBio DTP is a BBSRC-funded collaboration among leading universities, research institutes, and industry partners across the South West and Wales, providing a rich environment for bioscience research and training. The project is supervised by Dr Julien Licchesi (lead, University of Bath), with co-supervision from Professor Matthew Crump and Professor Christiane Berger-Schaffitzel (University of Bristol), and Dr Scott Lovell (University of Bath). Targeted Protein Degradation (TPD) is a cutting-edge approach in drug discovery, enabling the selective removal of disease-causing proteins. The project will focus on expanding the use of E3 ubiquitin ligases in PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs), which have shown clinical success in cancer therapy. The main aim is to discover and optimize novel ligands for underexplored E3 ligases using high-throughput aptamer-SELEX technology, as well as complementary screens for affimers, macrocyclic peptides, and covalent ligands. The project will employ advanced biophysical and structural biology techniques, including NMR spectroscopy, to characterize ligand binding and guide rational design. Promising ligands will be incorporated into next-generation BioPROTAC and PROTAC molecules, which will be evaluated in cellular assays using flow cytometry, western blotting, high-content microscopy, HiBiT-NanoLuc, and in vitro biochemical assays. The successful candidate will receive interdisciplinary training in molecular and structural biology, ligand discovery, biophysical characterization, and functional evaluation using cell-based assays. This project is ideal for candidates with a strong interest in chemical biology, protein biochemistry, and drug discovery. Funding is available through the SWBio DTP studentship, covering tuition, a stipend (£20,780 p/a in 2025/6), research and training costs, fieldwork, conference attendance, and a 3-month placement. The studentship is open to both Home and International students, though international funding does not cover visa or healthcare costs, and awards to international students are limited. Applicants should have a strong academic background in a relevant science or technology field, with a minimum of a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree (or equivalent), and a solid foundation in mathematics. Prior laboratory experience in protein biochemistry, nucleic acid technologies, or biophysical methods is advantageous. The application deadline is 3 December 2025. For informal enquiries, contact Dr Julien Licchesi at [email protected]. Formal applications must be submitted via the SWBio DTP online application form. The SWBio DTP is committed to supporting students from diverse backgrounds and offers flexibility for those with additional needs.

SWBio DTP is recruiting for a fully funded 4-year PhD studentship starting in September 2026 at the University of Bath . The project is titled Unlocking Transcription Factors: Building a Mammalian Platform to Discover Peptide Regulators and is focused on mammalian synthetic biology , transcription factors , peptide libraries , intracellular selection , cell engineering , and protein engineering . The work will combine cell engineering , peptide-library screening , and biochemical characterisation . The main supervisor is Professor Jody Mason (University of Bath), with links to Revolver Therapeutics and collaborators at the University of Bristol including Professor Matthew Crump . The programme notes that there are up to two studentships available . Some projects may involve fieldwork or time away from the host institution for collaboration or placement activities. Deadline: Friday 24 July 2026, 23:59 BST. How to apply: Use the application link provided and follow the SWBio DTP instructions. For project enquiries, contact the listed supervisor.

📢 Fully funded PhD opportunity at the University of Bath in the UK, within the SWBio DTP programme and in collaboration with Revolver Therapeutics . The project is titled “Unlocking Transcription Factors: Building a Mammalian Platform to Discover Peptide Regulators” . It focuses on developing a mammalian-cell-based platform to identify peptide molecules that regulate transcription factors, with relevance to gene expression control and diseases such as cancer. Research areas and keywords: biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology, chemical biology, mammalian synthetic biology, transcription factors, peptide libraries, protein engineering, intracellular selection, next-generation sequencing. Training and research experience: the successful PhD student will gain advanced training in mammalian cell culture and genetic engineering, molecular cloning, peptide library design and screening, next-generation sequencing, protein/peptide biochemistry, and structural/physical analysis of cells and proteins. Supervision and environment: the project is supervised by Professor Jody Mason and Professor Matthew Crump at the University of Bath, with collaboration from Revolver Therapeutics. The student will work in multidisciplinary laboratories and benefit from both academic and industry-linked research experience. Eligibility: applicants should preferably have, or be close to obtaining, a good degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology, chemical biology, or a related subject. Prior experience in mammary cell biology, molecular cloning, protein chemistry, peptide science, or quantitative data analysis is helpful but not essential. Funding: fully funded 4-year PhD studentship with support under the SWBio DTP funding structure. Deadline: 24 July 2026. Apply via: the linked SWBio project page and application portal. For enquiries, contact Professor Jody Mason at [email protected] .

Fully funded PhD opportunity at the University of Bath in the United Kingdom, in collaboration with Revolver Therapeutics and the University of Bristol . The project focuses on the discovery of peptide regulators of transcription factors , with relevance to cancer and other diseases. It combines molecular biology , mammalian cell engineering , peptide science , biochemistry , and computational analysis to build an innovative platform for intracellular peptide discovery. Training includes genome engineering , next-generation sequencing (NGS) , peptide synthesis , structural biology , and biophysical characterization . Eligibility: applicants should hold a degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology, chemical biology , or a related discipline. A strong interest in molecular and cellular biosciences is expected. Prior experience in mammalian cell biology, molecular cloning, protein biochemistry, peptide science, or quantitative data analysis is desirable but not essential. Funding: fully funded PhD . Deadline: 24 July 2026 . The SWBiosciences Doctoral Training Partnership page also lists fully funded 4-year PhD studentships starting in September 2026 , with up to two studentships available. Apply via the link in the post and check the programme page for further details, eligibility requirements, selection process, and funding information.