PhD - Decoding protein aggregation in neurodegenerative diseases using advanced mass spectrometry methods
Listed on 2026-11-05
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Research/Development
Research Scientist, Biomedical Science
PhD - Decoding protein aggregation in neurodegenerative diseases using advanced mass spectrometry methods
University of Leeds, United Kingdom
Neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and Parkinson's disease (PD) are characterised by the misfolding and aggregation of proteins into toxic assemblies that damage neurons. However, the molecular events that convert functional proteins into disease-causing aggregates and amyloid fibrils remain poorly understood.
This PhD project will investigate two proteins central to these disorders: TDP-43, the pathological hallmark of most ALS and many FTD cases, and α-synuclein, the major component of Lewy bodies in PD. Both proteins can transition between soluble states, biomolecular condensates, oligomers, and amyloid fibrils. Understanding how and why these transitions occur is a key challenge hampering the development of new therapeutic strategies.
The project will use and develop state-of-the-art mass spectrometry (MS) approaches to characterise the structural changes that occur during protein aggregation. Working in partnership with Waters Corporation, a global leader in analytical technologies, you will gain access to cutting-edge instrumentation while developing next-generation hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) methods.
This highly interdisciplinary project sits at the interface of analytical chemistry, structural biology, and neuroscience. It offers comprehensive training in advanced mass spectrometry, protein biochemistry, data analysis, and scientific communication, while providing experience in both academic and industrial research environments. The outcomes will advance our understanding of neurodegenerative disease and deliver innovative technologies with broad applications across biomedical research and drug discovery.
For informal enquiries about the project, please contact Dr Antonio Calabrese, Associate Professor, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology
Final date to receive applications
: 5pm (GMT), Wednesday 6th January 2027
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