Lead supervisor:Dr Joana Faria, Biology (University of York)
Co-supervisors: Prof Daniela Barillà,University of Yorkand Prof Richard McCulloch, University of Glasgow
The student will be registered with the Department of Biology (University of York)
Making sense of antigenic variation in trypanosomes: a nuclear factory with a switching and replication problem…
Background:
Many pathogens, including African trypanosomes and malaria parasites, employ a sophisticated survival strategy known as antigenic variation. This allows them to systematically change the proteins displayed on their surface, effectively evading the host's immune system.
Trypanosomes are particularly adept at this, possessing a vast repertoire of >2,500 genes encoding variant surface glycoproteins (VSGs). They express only a single VSG at a time, creating a dense surface coat. Trypanosomes assemble a sub-nuclear 'factory', the expression-site-body (ESB), which houses the active-VSG gene while excluding silent copies.
Aims and Approaches:
Despite recent advances, our understanding of the ESB's composition and architecture remains incomplete, especially during dynamic events like antigenic switching and DNA replication. To address these questions, we will utilise a comprehensive array of modern techniques:
Genetics: CRISPR/Cas9 for precise gene editing.
Genomics: RNA-Seq and ChIP-Seq to analyse gene expression and DNA-protein interactions.
Proteomics: affinity purification and TurboID-mediated proximity labeling combined with chemical crosslinking to identify and map the proteins within the ESB.
Microscopy: super-resolution and ultra-structure expansion microscopy to visualise the precise location of proteins and DNA.
The insights gained from this research will have significant implications for understanding immune evasion strategies used by other deadly pathogens and, more broadly, for understanding how cells selectively express and enhance gene expression.
The supervisory team:
The supervisors have world-leading expertise in parasite genetics & gene expression regulation. The Faria (@fariatrypslab.bsky.social), Barillà (@danielabarilla.bsky.social) McCulloch (X @McCulloch_Group) labs and UoY and UoG promote a positive and accepting research culture where people are free and welcome to be who they are. We seek a highly driven, motivated, creative, and dedicated individual. The student will be encouraged to present their work at national and international conferences.
The YBDTP and the University of York are committed to recruiting future scientists regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or career pathway to date. We understand that commitment and excellence can be shown in many ways and we have built our recruitment process to reflect this. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in science, who have curiosity, creativity and a drive to learn new skills.
The Department of Biology holds an Athena SWAN Gold Award. We are committed to supporting equality and diversity and strive to provide a positive working environment for all staff and students.
Entry Requirements: Students with, or expecting to gain, at least an upper second class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply. The interdisciplinary nature of this programme means that we welcome applications from students with any biological, chemical, and/or physical science backgrounds, or students with mathematical background who are interested in using their skills in addressing biological questions.
Programme: PhD in Biology (4 years)
Start Date: 21 September 2026
About the Yorkshire Bioscience Doctoral Training Partnership (YBDTP):
The YBDTP brings together world-class bioscience research and innovation, as well as excellence in doctoral supervision, across the Yorkshire and Teesside region. The YBDTP will fund postgraduate researchers at the Universities of Leeds, Sheffield, York, Bradford, Huddersfield, Hull, Leeds Beckett, Sheffield Hallam, and Teesside, forming a strong regional training partnership. In YBDTP you'll benefit from a regional doctoral training programme that has interdisciplinary collaboration at its core. The aim is to enable you to develop a range of research skills in biological, biotechnological, and biochemical areas, as well as equip you with core data analysis and professional skills necessary for bioscience research and related non-academic careers.
How to apply
To be considered for this project, you will need to complete an expression of interest.
You can be considered for a maximum of three YBDTP projects (at the same university or at different universities).
Please note that students who need a visa to study in the UK will NOT be considered for this York project. Other universities that are part of the YBDTP may consider international students. If you have questions about the application process, email mailto:YBDTP@leeds.ac.uk
If you have questions about this project please email mailto:joana.correiafaria@york.ac.uk
How the YBDTP selects candidates:
Project supervisors will nominate their strongest candidate to the YBDTP Selection Committee. The Committee will rank candidates across all partners universities and shortlist candidates for interview. If you're shortlisted for a York project, you'll be invited to attend an interview in person in February 2026 in the Department of Biology at the University of York. You'll be notified a week after the interview whether your application has been successful, placed on a reserve list or unsuccessful. If you are successful, you'll be required to confirm your intention to accept the studentship within 10 days.
Complete the YBDTP expression of interest by Wednesday 7 January 2026.