Postgraduate research
Time resolved cryoEM
Qualification: PhD
Department: Molecular and Cell Biology
Application deadline: 29 March 2026
Start date: 21 September 2026
Overview
Molecular and Cell Biology (Leicester Institute for Structural & Chemical Biology) offers the following project:
Supervisors:
Project:
This is an exciting project developing techniques in time-resolved structural biology at the frontiers of cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM).
Understanding how macromolecular complexes assemble and function as molecular machines is essential for revealing the molecular principles that govern biological systems. CryoEM is a powerful tool for structural analysis of such complexes, enabling high‑resolution characterisation of molecules trapped in different conformational states. However, how these states are related to one another over time and how conformational changes drive function remains poorly understood.
Time‑resolved cryoEM allows the chronological analysis of these dynamic biological processes to fully understand the mechanism of action. The Midlands Regional CryoEM Facility (University of Leicester) has recently purchased the first commercially available Speed Blot system, a cutting‑edge technology designed to enable rapid sample preparation for the time-dependent capture of intermediates in reactions occurring on millisecond timescales.
In this PhD project, we aim to further develop and apply this technology to investigate the dynamic mechanisms of large molecular machines. Initially, the project will focus on capturing transient intermediate states in DNA-repair machinery. This is a collaboration with Dr Amanda Chaplin who is an expert on non-homologous end-joining DNA repair. Dr Chaplin will be a member of the supervisory committee. Other projects with researchers in the Leicester institute for Structural and Chemical Biology (LISCB) will also be developed.
You will have direct access to a world class CryoEM Facility, which includes a dedicated low humidity laboratory for sample preparation, a ThermoFisher Scientific Titan Krios electron microscope with Gatan K3 direct detector and a bespoke computational cluster for data analysis. During this PhD you will gain extensive experience in cryoEM including sample preparation, microscope operation and computational analysis. You will develop time-resolved methodologies for cryoEM sample preparation and collaborate with scientists on a variety of topics to ask important, biologically relevant molecular questions.
Project enquiries to Dr Amand Chaplin ac853@le.ac.uk
Please refer to the application advice below and use the application link at the bottom of the page to apply.
Funding
Funding
The LISCB Studentship provides:
- 3.5 years UK tuition fees*
- 3.5 years stipend at UKRI rates. For 2026/7 this will be £21,805 per year
*International applicants are welcome to apply. However, they must be able to demonstrate they can fund the difference between UK and overseas fees. For 2026/7 this will be £19,012 per year of study. Visa, NHS charges and travel costs must also be met by the student.
It may be possible to provide a full overseas fee waiver to an exceptional overseas candidate but this is not guaranteed.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
UK Bachelor Degree at 2:1 or better or overseas equivalent in a related subject.
University of Leicester English language requirements apply.
Informal enquiries
Informal enquiries
Project enquiries to Dr Amanda Chaplin ac853@leicester.ac.uk or Dr Emma Hesketh emma.hesketh@le.ac.uk
Application advice pgrapply@le.ac.uk
How to apply
How to apply
How to apply please use the Apply Link at the bottom of the page and select September 2026.
With your application, please include:
- CV
- Personal statement explaining your interest in the project, your experience and why we should consider you
- Degree Certificates and Transcripts of study already completed and if possible transcript to date of study currently being undertaken
- Evidence of English language proficiency if applicable
- In the reference section please enter the contact details of your two academic referees in the boxes provided or upload letters of reference if already available. Project supervisors are not able to act as referee
- In the funding section please specify CLS LISCB MCB Chaplin
- Include the project supervisor's name and project title under the proposal section. (A proposal is not required).
Notes
Applications will be considered after the closing date. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview. Unsuccessful candidates will be informed by email.
Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Eligibility
Eligibility
UK and international applicants may apply.
International applicants please refer to the funding section before applying.
