Research
Proteins are key working molecules in all cells and their synthesis is an elaborate jigsaw puzzle. The early stages of protein synthesis include translation on ribosomes and the translocation of new polypeptides across, and their insertion into, membranes via translocons or insertases. New mechanistic insights are rapidly revolutionising our textbook models and bringing previously ‘undruggable’ protein synthesis machineries to the forefront of drug development. Our lab integrates biochemistry, cell biology, cryoEM and small molecules to expand the chemical and biological space of protein synthesis and its inhibition. This allows us to develop new tools and methods that can be exploited to probe how proteins are made and unlock new ways to treat human diseases.
Overview
Available Projects
We are recruiting for a fully funded doctoral project that combines cellular and chemical biology, cell-free protein synthesis, cryoEM, gene editing and orthogonal high-throughput screening to discover breakthrough protein synthesis inhibitors and re-purpose existing ones.
The position is available and funded for 44 months from January 2027, or as agreed.
