AstraZeneca funded Non-clinical PhD Studentship in Improved 2A peptides for co-translational separation of a polyprotein

Applications are invited for a 4-year PhD studentship starting on 1 October 2027 and based in the Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, and the AstraZeneca Discovery Centre at Cambridge. The student will be working on a collaborative project jointly supervised by Prof. Andrew Firth at the University of Cambridge and Dr Giovanni Ciotta at AstraZeneca and will have the opportunity to work across the two sites. The project focuses on manipulating peptide-bond skipping sequences to aid protein engineering. 2A peptides mediate co-translational separation of a polyprotein via a mechanism known as "ribosome skipping" or "StopGo". These ~20 amino acid peptides adopt an unusual conformation within the translating ribosome that prevents peptide bond formation at a specific site, but instead promotes release of the nascent peptide followed by continuation of translation. These sequences have proved to be exceptionally useful in biotechnology because they allow the introduction of all components of a pathway or multi-subunit complex in a single step, with stable stoichiometric co-expression from a single promoter. However, 2A peptides have some caveats ¿ including ribosome drop-off, ribosome pausing/stalling, and some amount of separation failure ¿ which constrain their functional utility. We have identified new classes of 2A sequences, some of which have improved properties compared to traditional 2A peptides. This PhD project will contribute to our work investigating these new 2A sequences and optimising them for biotechnological applications. The UCam team has expertise in molecular biology including ribosome profiling, ribosome structure and function, cell biology, cryo-electron microscopy, and bioinformatics. The AZ team has expertise in cell therapy, CRISPR/Cas9 technologies, and viral vectors. The PhD project will focus on molecular biology techniques but there will also be opportunity for bioinformatic skill development and there may be scope to obtain structural biology experience. At the AstraZeneca site, the student will focus on implementing optimised sequences in specific biotechnological applications, e.g. in cell therapy. Candidate We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual capable of thinking and working independently. Applicants should have or shortly expect to obtain a first or upper second-class degree from a UK university, or an equivalent standard from an overseas university, in a relevant subject such as Biochemistry, Microbiology, Cell Biology or Genetics. These positions are open to UK citizens or overseas students who meet the UK residency requirements (home fees) or are able to augment the funds to cover the extra costs associated with international student fees through scholarships or funding schemes. Students will not be allowed to supplement fees via self funding. Full details of the University's entrance requirements and scholarships are specified on the following link: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/ Additionally, the Department requires that by the time of interview all potential students must have fulfilled the language requirements for admission: http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/blpapdpth/requirements Please check for further eligibility details using this website: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/finance/fees/what-my-fee-status Application Process All applications should be made online via the University's Applicant Portal for a PhD in Pathology (BLPA22). A completed application must be submitted by the closing date below. Please also explain your motivation why you wish to pursue a PhD in this area, outline your research interests and background, and describe the qualities and experience you will bring to the role. Please also download our equal opportunities monitoring form from this link and return the completed form by email to postgrad@path.cam.ac.uk An application is only complete when all supporting documents, including the equal opportunities monitoring form, and the two academic references, are submitted. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure their referees submit their references before the closing date of the studentship. Funding Full funding covering Maintenance fees (expected to start at approx. £23,805 p.a.) and the University Composition Fee is provided for the studentship, with effect from 1 October 2027. Student support and training As a graduate student at Cambridge, you will have access to a wide range of training opportunities. During their PhD, there is no taught or examined coursework, but students are encouraged to attend the wide variety of lectures and training courses available to them across the Department and wider University. This includes a centrally run Statistics course and the University Core Skills Training Programme, which includes sessions on Time Management, Presentation and Performance and Scientific Writing. The University's training platform (https://training.cam.ac.uk) offers a wide range of professional development courses, including in management, communication, career planning, well-being, entrepreneurship, technology, programming, data analysis and AI. Additionally, the University has an evolving range of practical workshops (e.g. microscopy, flow cytometry, chromatin mapping). All students are expected to attend internal and external seminars held within the Department of Pathology. As this studentship is part of a collaborative programme between AstraZeneca and the University of Cambridge, students will also be encouraged to attend and present at the annual AstraZeneca students symposium. Applications from ineligible candidates will not be considered. Informal enquiries may be addressed to Prof. Andrew Firth (aef24@cam.ac.uk). Deadline Applications close Monday 30 November 2026. Interviews for shortlisted candidates are scheduled for Monday 14th and Tuesday 15th (and possibly Thursday 17th) of December 2026. Diversity and Inclusion The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. We place major emphasis on the importance of teamwork and an enjoyable work environment as a foundation for performing internationally leading research. This will allow the student to acquire cutting edge research methodologies in a supportive environment. Please quote reference PK51527 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy. The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.