Project Title: Turning the Malaria Parasite's Protein Degradation Machinery Against It

Professor Katerina Artavanis-Tsakonas, co-supervised with Laura Itzhaki (Department of Pharmacology)

Malaria remains a major global health challenge, with drug resistance threatening the effectiveness of existing treatments. This project will explore a fundamentally different way to kill malaria parasites: harnessing their own protein-degradation machinery to selectively destroy proteins they need to survive. Our lab studies how the ubiquitin system works in Plasmodium falciparum, revealing important differences between parasite and human cells that could be exploited therapeutically. This project will combine parasite genetics, biochemistry and chemical biology to develop new ways of manipulating protein stability. The aim is to create powerful tools for discovering new parasite biology while exploring novel strategies for antimalarial drug development.

The Department of Pathology has an excellent reputation in pure biological and biomedical research and is offering fully funded studentships* from October 2027 to work with one of the Research Group Leaders in this large and vibrant Department.

Application Process

All applications should be made online via the University's Applicant Portal for a PhD in Pathology (BLPA22) via the above Apply button. A completed application must be submitted by the closing date below. An application is only complete when all supporting documents, including the 2 academic references, are submitted.

It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure their referees submit their references before the closing date of the studentship.

Eligibility

The studentships are available to students who qualify for UK HOME FEES ONLY.

Please check for eligibility details using this website: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/finance/fees/what-my-fee-status

Applicants should hold (or expect to obtain) the equivalent of a UK upper 2.1 or higher in an undergraduate honours or Masters degree in a relevant subject. The studentship is open to those eligible for the Home rate of University fees.

Additionally, the Department requires that by the time of interview all potential students must have fulfilled the language requirements for admission. ( http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/blpapdpth/requirements )

Further Information

Please also explain your motivation why you wish to pursue a PhD in this area, outline your research interests and background, and describe the qualities and experience you will bring to the role.

Applications from ineligible candidates will not be considered.

Further information about the course can be found on our website.

Key Information

Department/location: Department of Pathology
Salary: Funding will cover the student's stipend at the current Research Council rate and Home University Fees.
Reference: PK51394
Category: Studentships
Date published: 14 October 2026
Closing date: 2 December 2026

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.