Understanding substrates of viral 3C/3C-like proteases

Overview

In this project, you will be working to understand how viruses such as coronaviruses, caliciviruses and picornaviruses interact with infected cells, focusing on substrates of viral proteases. You will learn molecular virology, cell culture assays, and LC-MS/MS proteomic methods alongside bioinformatic analysis in R.

About this opportunity

Many of the viruses disrupting society today are distantly related: these include SARS-CoV-2, the agent behind the COVID-19 pandemic, and norovirus which causes epidemics of gastroenteritis. These viruses are members of the coronavirus and calicivirus families, and along with the picornavirus family share common elements, including an enzyme: a 3C or 3C-like protease, which cleaves viral and cellular proteins.

In this project, you will build on the labs prior work using cutting edge LC-MS/MS methods (e.g. Meyer et al. 2021 Nature Comms.) to understand which cellular proteins are cleaved by viral 3C or 3C-like proteases, and use molecular biology and virology approaches to understand the role of these proteins during authentic viral infection with a range of viruses. You will gain skills in R-based bioinformatic analysis, and ultimately characterise the pro- or antiviral roles of identified substrates. By understanding which host proteins are required for efficient viral infection, we can learn new ways to stymie virus replication that may ultimately have the potential to be developed into host-targeting antivirals.

For this project, you will be based in The Emmott Lab, part of the Centre for Proteome Research, and the Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology at the University of Liverpool.

Who is this for?

This would suit applicants with a BSc in Virology or Biochemistry (Minimum grade 2:1). Additional experience e.g. industry, MSc/MRes a plus. If you are unsure, please get in touch with the primary supervisor.

How to apply

1. Contact supervisors

Email the following to e.emmott@liverpool.ac.uk in the first instance:
- Your CV
- Cover letter
- Project title.
As this project is unfunded, please indicate how you plan on funding your studies.

Project supervisor

Professor Edward Emmott.
2. Prepare your application documents

You may need the following documents to complete your online application:
- A research proposal (this should cover the research you’d like to undertake)
- University transcripts and degree certificates to date
- Passport details (international applicants only)
- English language certificates (international applicants only)
- A personal statement
- A curriculum vitae (CV)
- Contact details for two proposed supervisors
- Names and contact details of two referees.
3. Apply

Finally, register and apply online. You'll receive an email acknowledgment once you've submitted your application. We'll be in touch with further details about what happens next.

Fees and funding

Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.

Tuition fees

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)

Full-time place, per year - £5,238
Part-time place, per year - £2,619

International fees

Full-time place, per year - £32,200
Part-time place, per year - £16,100

Tuition fees shown are for academic year 2026/27.

Additional costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this project, as well as general student living costs.

Funding your PhD

If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan worth up to £30,301 to help with course fees and living costs.

There’s also a variety of alternative sources of funding. These include funded research opportunities and financial support from UK research councils, charities and trusts. Your supervisor may be able to help you secure funding.

We've set the country or region your qualifications are from as United Kingdom.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition fees and living expenses.

Duncan Norman Research Scholarship

If you’re awarded this prestigious scholarship, you’ll receive significant funding to support your postgraduate research. This includes full payment of your PhD fees and a cash bursary of £23,000 per year while you study. One award is available in each academic year.

John Lennon Memorial Scholarship

If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for financial support worth up to £12,000 per year for up to three years of full-time postgraduate research (or up to five years part-time pro-rata).

Sport Liverpool Performance Programme

Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.

Discover our full range of scholarships and bursaries.

Contact us

Have a question about this research opportunity or studying a PhD with us? Please get in touch with us, using the contact details below, and we’ll be happy to assist you.

Professor Edward Emmott