Developing novel glycan-nanoparticle probes to elucidate dendritic cell immune modulation mechanisms

This PhD research opportunity focuses on understanding how lectins (glycan binding proteins on immune cells) work cooperatively to differentiate between normal and pathogen/disease cells to activate immune responses. The project will extend pioneering glycan-nanoparticle (NP) probe methods to study multivalent lectin-glycan interactions at the cellular level using dendritic cells (DCs). Researchers will construct glycan-NPs mimicking pathogen and healthy cell structures, stimulate DC immune responses, and identify bound lectins via mass spectroscopy. This innovative approach will establish correlations between lectin engagement and DC immune function regulation, potentially advancing understanding of viral infection and cancer immune evasion mechanisms. The successful candidate will join the Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology at the University of Leeds, working in a collaborative environment across glycoscience, nanochemistry, and mass spectrometry labs. Training will be provided in organic ligand synthesis, glycan-NP construction and characterization, cell culture, and mass spectroscopy. This multidisciplinary project aims to reveal fundamental biological processes while guiding development of effective interventions against viral infection and cancer. This is a non-funded PhD position with an application deadline of May 31, 2026, and a start date of October 1, 2026. Candidates must contact supervisors before formal application and can apply for separate funding opportunities including Leeds Doctoral Scholarships and other institutional awards.