A defining aspect of life is the accurate transmission of genetic information from one generation of cells to the next. During mitosis, chromosomes are reorganised dramatically into discrete cylindrical entities. Chromosome refolding facilitates disentanglement of sister-chromatids, permitting their even distribution between two daughter cells, and provides resilience to the forces of genome segregation. During genome segregation the chromosomes are captured and transported by microtubules of the mitotic spindle in a highly regulated process that ensures chromosomes are equally divided between two daughter cells. Aberrant chromosome segregation leads to aneuploidy, a hallmark of cancer and infertility, and anti-cancer drug resistance.
For successful cell division, three major properties of mitotic chromosomes are established: First, chromosomes -which a pairs of identical, sister chromatids- must remain coupled until they are evenly divided between daughter cells during anaphase. Second, sister chromatids are resolved and disentangled to ensure segregation into separate cells. Failure to disentangle chromatid pairs can result in aneuploidy and genome instability. Finally, centromeres -the attachment points that enable chromosome movement during mitosis- must withstand the forces of chromosome alignment and segregation.
In this PhD project the student will use structural biochemistry to determine the molecular basis by which key molecular machines are recruited to and organise the chromosome to resist spindle forces. The ultimate goal is to understand how chromosomes withstand the mechanical stresses of mitosis without disintegrating.
The student will have the opportunity to learn a broad variety of key structural biochemistry techniques, including cryo-EM, X-ray crystallography, protein structure prediction, and cryo-electron tomography. High-resolution structural biological methods will be employed to obtain mechanistic insight into how centromeres are organised to promote chromosome segregation. The student will additionally have the opportunity to employ cell biological assays and biophysical approaches to characterise the consequences of structure-guided mutations on chromosome structure and segregation.
For more information on the project, eligibility and how to apply for the School's PhD programme, please click on the "Visit Institution Website" link.
Please download and complete the mandatory documents from the EastBio "how to apply" website, before proceeding with your application.
Applicants should apply to the PhD in Biological Sciences with Internship programme via the University of Edinburgh's admissions portal (Euclid) with a start date of 01 October 2027.
Important: Before applying, please send your referees the EastBio reference form to ensure reference letters are submitted using the correct format.
When completing the Euclid application, applicants should include:
- the project title
- the proposed research supervisor(s)
- anticipated funding source (i.e. EastBio/ Edinburgh Doctoral College Award)
- the completed EastBio application form, uploaded to the Research Proposal Section
- referee details or completed reference letters using the template EastBio reference form. Please note: If you submit only the referee details, they will automatically receive a link to upload their reference letter. However, the submitted letter must be using the template form, so please share this with them in advance.
The closing date for applications to be submitted to Euclid is midday on Monday 16 November 2026.
Reference letters will be accepted up to 2 weeks after the closing date.
Submitted applications will remain under consideration during the shortlisting process until 22 February 2027, when successful candidates will be invited to interview. If any information is missing from your application, we will contact you through Euclid to request this. Please check your emails and the Euclid portal regularly.
Please be aware The University reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to amend or withdraw any of the advertised scholarships, without further notice.
Funding Notes
This 4 year PhD project is fully funded. Applicants will be considered for either an EastBio BBSRC Doctoral Landscape Award or the University of Edinburgh Doctoral College Award. Successful applicants will join the EastBio cohort as an EastBio-funded or associate-funded student. Those joining will undertake a mandatory training programme which includes a 3-month placement. This is open to students worldwide has financial support with a monthly stipend at the UKRI standard rate, funding towards project costs, and tuition fee cover. For further guidance; EastBio website; no separate application is required for consideration of the University of Edinburgh Doctoral College Award.
