Studentships
MRC Protein Phosphorylation Unit Prize Studentships

We invite applications for the Prize Studentships, which can be of 3.5 or 4 years duration, from candidates with an outstanding academic record and strong interest in carrying out research on the roles of protein phosphorylation in cell regulation and human disease.

Why study here

World class research
The MRC Protein Phosphorylation Unit (MRCPPU) has trained many of today’s leaders in the field of signal transduction. At the last count, 56 former members of the Unit are now running their own Research Groups in 14 different countries around the world. Fifteen have so far reached the rank of full professor, four of whom are among the world’s 100 most cited scientists over the past 10 years. Eight have founded biotechnology companies, while a further 21 have made their careers in the Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology industry.

Research Environment
The Unit has a truly International feel, with students coming from over 10 different countries, and staff from many more. As the group leaders in the Unit have few undergraduate teaching commitments they are able to devote more of their time to research. Facilities are state of the art, and dedicated teams in the Division of Signal Transduction Therapy (DSTT) provide specialised proteins, antibodies and clones that accelerate our research. Our students are central to the Unit’s scientific and social life, and are well supported to succeed in this interactive and interdisciplinary Unit.

Links to the College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee
The MRCPPU is located within the College of Life Sciences at the University of Dundee, and enjoys many interactions with other groups in the same research complex, including laboratories that specialise in different aspects of cell signalling. While, the Unit operates its own PhD programme its students are generally registered with the University of Dundee and take part in University and College activities including generic skills programmes and PICLS (PhD Students in the College of Life Sciences).

Links to the Pharmaceutical Industry
The Division of Signal Transduction Therapy (DSTT) run by the MRCPPU with the University of Dundee is one of the largest research collaborations ever undertaken between the pharmaceutical industry and a UK research institution. This innovative collaboration won a Queen’s anniversary prize 2006. Every four months, the pharmaceutical companies visit the Unit for a scientific symposium, giving PhD students an opportunity to talk about their latest results and to discuss projects of mutual interest. This gives our students a unique insight into how the pharmaceutical industry works.