MSCA PhD Fellow in Cross-Disciplinary Glycoscience Research DC3 â Targeting tissues using multivalent lectin-glycan interactions (EPSCH1130)

Are you keen to advance glycoscience research across disciplines? Do you have relevant research experience in chemistry or biochemistry and a keen interest in developing molecular tools to probe complex protein/glycan interactions? Are you eager to develop your expertise, push the boundaries of knowledge, and pursue a PhD in one of the UK’s leading research-intensive universities?

GLYCOCALYX  is a Horizon Europe Marie SkÅodowska-Curie Doctoral Network (MSCA-DN). It brings together 15 leading European partners in a transnational network, implementing a multidisciplinary and intersectorial research and training programme between the academic and industrial partners, to research the self organisation and barrier functions of the mammalian glycocalyx.  

Virtually all mammalian cells are covered with a dense and complex coat of sugar chains (glycans) known as the glycocalyx, which is essential for multicellular life. Glycocalyces accomplish critical functions in inter-cellular communication, controlling tissue development, homeostasis and repair, inflammatory and immune responses, neuronal connectivity, and symbiosis with bacteria. However, when dysregulated, they can promote immune diseases, neurodegeneration and cancer. Glycocalyces also act as the first line of defence against pathogens, but some pathogens have evolved to hijack the glycocalyx to promote infection.

Despite their importance, mammalian glycocalyces remain the ‘dark matter’ of biology, under-studied owing to the historical lack of preparative and analytical tools to probe the local molecular composition and transient interactions of molecules within glycocalyces, and missing physics rules to interpret experimental observations.

The GLYCOCALYX Network will train 15 PhD Fellows in chemistry, physics and biology methods and concepts required to resolve the dynamic organisation of glycocalyces; 3 of the 15 PhDs Fellows will be hosted at the University of Leeds. The projects will establish a new level of understanding of how glycocalyces perform their many selective barriers. The PhD Fellows will receive cutting edge scientific training, alongside industry-relevant transferable skills, to equip them for careers in the medical technology sector and its underpinning research and innovations.

As MSCA PhD Fellow (DC3) in Leeds, you will develop modular, multivalent glycocalyx probes to study densityâdependent lectin–glycan interactions in molecularly defined model systems, and elucidate the physical and chemical rules underlying superselective targeting. This knowledge will enable the rational design of probes for superâresolution imaging of glycocalyx organisation and for targeted delivery with exceptional cellular selectivity. You will interact and develop research collaborations with our GLYCOCALYX academic and industrial partners, and in addition you will participate in activities of the Doctoral Network, including attending training courses and work placements at other sites.

Eligibility rules: To meet the requirements of the Marie SkÅodowska-Curie Doctoral Network, you must be eligible to enrol in a first doctoral degree (PhD), and must not have lived or worked in the UK for more than 12 months in the 3 years prior to recruitment date.

As well as previous research experience, you will have a Masters (or an quivalent level of qualification) in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related discipline.

There are no restrictions on nationality, but to engage in paid employment you must have the necessary right to work in the UK. This may involve obtaining an appropriate visa and the University of Leeds will be able to offer support and advice to the successful candidate.

Salary: The Marie SkÅodowska-Curie PhD Fellow salary is fixed at £53,780 per annum (plus family allowance if applicable), in line with MSCA Doctoral Network requirements. This amount will be subject to tax and National Insurance deductions.

This role will be based on the University campus, with scope for it to be undertaken in a hybrid manner. We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements.

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact: 

Professor Bruce Turnbull, Professor of Biomolecular Chemistry, and project primary supervisor

Email: W.B.Turnbull@leeds.ac.uk  

Please note that this post may be suitable for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route but first-time applicants might need to qualify for salary concessions. For more information, please visit the Government’s Skilled Worker visa page.

For research and academic posts, we will consider eligibility under the Global Talent visa. For more information, please visit the Government’s page, Apply for the Global Talent visa.

Closing Date: 30 Mar 2026

Section: Research

Salary: £53,780 p.a.