Biological Sciences (PhD)

There are several research topics available for this degree. See below examples of research areas including an outline of the topics, the supervisor, funding information and eligibility criteria:

• Characterisation of novel proteins and their complexes, involved in the maintenance of genome integrity in human cancers
• Combating the Global Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance by Refinement of the Minor Groove Binder Anti-Infective Drug Discover Platform
• Evolutionary Cell Biology of Metabolism in Unicellular Eukaryotes
• Evolutionary Forces on Codon Usage In Unicellular Eukaryotes
• Evolutionary relationships between populations of wild mice form the genus Apodemus based on whole–genome data
• Genomic investigations of unique environmental bacteria.
• Glycosylation as a regulator of development, metabolic physiology and disease
• How do voltage dependent anion channels interact with their cytosolic partners? Engineering channel-based switches
• Identification of the molecular mechanisms of longevity in long-lived mutants of insulin and Klotho signalling
• Impact of probiotic bacteria on gut epithelial cells.
• Insights into mammalian genome integrity and its evolution from protists and early-branching metazoa.
• Investigation of the evolution and polymorphic variation of molybdoflavoenzymes
• Investigation of the evolution and polymorphic variation of vitamin K epoxide reductases
• Isolation and characterisation of novel alkaliphilic microorganisms
• Isolation, characterization and exploitation of novel enzymes for use in biotechnology
• Mechanisms of cell death in carcinoma cells and their exploitation as novel cancer therapy targets
• Microbial Studies of Radioactive Waste Disposal
• Pathways for cell adhesion and their role in skin integrity
• Structural Studies of Borrelia Outer Membrane Proteins
• Structural biochemistry of ETS transcription factor complexes and their role in neoplastic transcriptional networks
• Structural genomics of Borrelia species, emerging tick-borne pathogens causing Lyme Disease
• Studies on the role of mono- and poly(ADP)-ribosylation in DNA transactions in health and disease
• The impact common biocides on Gram negative biofilm forming pathogens.
• The importance of cannabinoids for epidermal cells
• The role for ceramide synthase 3 in epidermal differentiation
• The role of microbial biofilms in the modulation of intestinal epithelial function
• The role of outer membrane vesicles in the pathogenesis of Gram negative bacteria
• The role of polyphosphates in mammalian cells
• Topical protein delivery for the treatment of genetic skin diseases
• Understanding the mechanisms of carcinogenesis in epithelial cells using physiologically-relevant in vitro models.
• Use of physiologically-relevant in vitro skin models for the design of medical devices to target pathological skin-related conditions and disease.

We provide a supportive and vibrant research environment for postgraduate researchers (PGRs). Researchers at all levels are encouraged to contribute and collaborate. The Graduate School ensures that postgraduate research is of the highest quality and equips you with the resources that you need to become a successful researcher.

We have an exciting and comprehensive Researcher Skills Development Programme available to all postgraduate researchers. This enables you to broaden your knowledge and access tools and skills which can significantly improve employability. The programme is also mapped onto Vitae’s Researcher Development Framework (RDF), allowing you to benefit from Vitae support as well as our own Programme.

We offer skills training through a programme designed to take advantage of technology platforms as well as face-to-face workshops and courses. The University has subscribed to Epigeum, a programme of on-line research training support designed and managed by staff at Imperial College London which will be accessed via Brightspace, the University’s Virtual Learning Environment. We also subscribe to the University of East Anglia webinar series and The Good Doctorate video training series. We are part of the North West and Yorkshire PGR Training Group that allows PGRs to attend relevant training opportunities at other nearby universities.