Application deadline: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Funding: Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
About the Project
Discover how "non-coding" RNAs make hidden proteins as human cells become neurons, at the University of Leeds. Not open if you spent over 12 months in the UK in the 3 years before the start; look at the other 11 ORFeus projects!
Why it matters
Many long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), once assumed to make no protein, contain small open reading frames that ribosomes translate into microproteins. Which lncRNAs are translated, and what controls it, is still poorly understood, especially in changing systems such as developing neurons.
The project
You will work out the rules that decide when and how ribosomes translate lncRNAs, using human SH-SY5Y cells as they differentiate into neurons, and build a map of ribosome scanning across lncRNAs.
What you will do
- Map ribosome scanning with TCP-Seq and ribosome profiling during neuronal differentiation
- Resolve full-length transcript structures with nanopore direct RNA sequencing
- Pin down the motifs and factors that control translation, using mini-gene reporters and siRNA knockdowns
- Spend around three months at Oxford Nanopore Technologies, co-developing direct RNA-based translation profiling
About ORFeus
This PhD is one of 15 in ORFeus, a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network funded by Horizon Europe. ORFeus brings together 15 research groups in eight European countries, with industry and research partners, to study the dark proteome: the many microproteins made from small open reading frames long dismissed as non-coding. Together, the 15 projects aim to find these proteins, understand what they do, and test their potential in diagnosis, immunotherapy and drug development, with a strong focus on cancer.
Where you will work
You will join the group of Prof. Julie Aspden at the University of Leeds, which studies how lncRNAs are translated, using ribosome profiling during human neuronal differentiation. You will work closely with the group of Prof. M. Mar Albà at the Hospital del Mar Research Institute in Barcelona, which studies the evolution of new genes and microproteins.
Who should apply
We welcome applications from molecular, RNA and cell biologists, and from neuroscience and developmental biology graduates with hands-on lab experience. This is a wet-lab project with sequencing data analysis.
- A master's degree (or equivalent) in molecular biology, biochemistry, RNA biology, genetics, cell biology, neuroscience, or a related field
- Hands-on lab experience in molecular and RNA biology, for example cell culture, cloning and reporter assays, or RNA sequencing methods
- Good written and spoken English
- Nice to have: ribosome profiling or other translation assays, next-generation or long-read sequencing, basic R or Python
Eligibility (MSCA mobility rule)
You are not eligible if you have lived, worked or studied in the UK for more than 12 months in the 36 months before your start date (around March 2027). This applies whatever your nationality, UK citizens included. For example, a one-year UK master's plus a few more months in the UK already goes over the limit. Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays, and time spent in a refugee status procedure do not count. Studied or worked in the UK recently? You are likely eligible for our 11 ORFeus positions outside the UK.
You must not hold a doctoral degree. Any nationality may apply.
What we offer
- A 36-month, full-time employment contract with full social security, under MSCA rules
- Supervision by Prof. Julie Aspden and Prof. M. Mar Albà, with mentoring from partners across academia and industry
- A secondment of around three months at Oxford Nanopore Technologies
- Training with 14 other ORFeus PhD candidates across Europe: network schools, workshops, transferable skills and international conferences
- PhD enrollment at the University of Leeds
Practical details
Start around March 2027; the exact date depends on the host institution. Reference letters are requested only at the interview stage.
How to apply
You can only apply via https://www.orfeus-dn.eu/apply/. You can apply to up to three of the 15 ORFeus projects and rank them; every project you rank considers you. The application asks for:
- a few eligibility questions
- a short motivation per project (150 to 200 words)
- your experience with the project's key techniques
- your CV
- an overview of your bachelor's and master's grades, in one PDF
- contact details for two referees
- a short motivational video
Funding Notes
Fully funded 36-month employment contract in ORFeus, an MSCA Doctoral Network (Horizon Europe, GA 101309891), with full social security. A salary, not a stipend. Salary details for this position are on the application page. Open to all nationalities. UK mobility rule: you are not eligible if you have lived, worked or studied in the UK for more than 12 months in the 36 months before your start date (around March 2027), whatever your nationality. Applicants must not hold a doctoral degree. ORFeus positions outside the UK are open to UK residents: orfeus-dn.eu/apply.