UOL
MSCA PhD Fellow in Cross-Disciplinary Glycoscience Research (DC1 – Biocolloid binding and transport in glycocalyces)
✓ Funded (Competition)
⏰ Closing Soon
🎓 Biochemistry
🎓 Biomedical Engineering
🎓 Biophysics
🎓 Physical Chemistry
interdisciplinary research
MSCA
biocolloids
biomolecular interactions
diffusion
drug delivery
glycocalyx
glycoscience
microscopy
pathogen interaction
Fully funded MSCA PhD within the GLYCOCALYX Doctoral Network focusing on biocolloid transport and binding in glycocalyces, combining physics, chemistry, and biology to develop analytical tools and uncover molecular interaction rules relevant to disease and drug delivery.
Project Description
GLYCOCALYX is a Horizon Europe Doctoral Network offering multidisciplinary training across academic and industrial partners to study the structure and function of the mammalian glycocalyx.
Mammalian cells are coated with complex sugar chains (glycans) forming the glycocalyx, which plays critical roles in communication, immunity, and disease. Despite its importance, it remains under-studied due to limited analytical tools and lack of physical models.
This PhD (DC1) focuses on biocolloid binding and transport in glycocalyces. The project will investigate how size and weak interactions influence diffusion and partitioning of molecules such as proteins, vesicles, and pathogens within glycocalyx structures.
The research combines molecularly defined glycocalyx models, advanced microscopy techniques, and theoretical/computational approaches to derive universal physical rules governing transport. These insights will support applications in drug delivery and pathogen interaction control.
The student will be part of the GLYCOCALYX Doctoral Network, engaging in collaborations, training activities, and secondments with academic and industrial partners across Europe.
Entry Requirements
Research experience and strong interest in physics, chemistry, or biological systems.
Interest in developing analytical tools for studying molecular interactions.
Interest in developing analytical tools for studying molecular interactions.
How to Apply
Apply online via the University of Leeds application portal.
Application must include:
Letter of motivation
CV
Two references (or letters)
Academic transcripts and certificates
Application must include:
Letter of motivation
CV
Two references (or letters)
Academic transcripts and certificates
Eligibility
UK/Home
EU
International
Supervisor Profile
DR
Dr Ralf Richter
University of Leeds, Faculty of Biological Sciences
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