BBSRC Yorkshire Bioscience DLA Programme: The needle in the haystack - single molecule detection of extracellular vesicles in complex biological contexts

Details

About the BBSRC Yorkshire Bioscience Doctoral Training Partnership (YBDTP):

The YBDTP brings together world-class bioscience research and innovation, as well as excellence in doctoral supervision, across the Yorkshire and Teesside region. The YBDTP will fund postgraduate researchers at the Universities of Leeds, Sheffield, York, Bradford, Huddersfield, Hull, Leeds Beckett, Sheffield Hallam and Teesside forming a strong regional training partnership. In YBDTP you'll benefit from a regional doctoral training programme that has interdisciplinary collaboration at its core. The aim is to enable you to develop a range of research skills in biological, biotechnology and biochemical areas as well as equip you with core data analysis and professional skills that are necessary for bioscience research and related non-academic careers.

https://www.yorkshirebiosciencedtp.ac.uk

Project Description:

Tiny particles called extracellular vesicles (EVs) are released by all cells and organisms. They carry molecular cargo between cells, tissues, and even across biological kingdoms, making them central players in communication and homeostasis. EVs are increasingly recognised as key to understanding complex biological interactions, and they hold enormous potential as biomarkers of disease and as delivery vehicles for biotechnology and pharmaceutical applications. Yet, because of their small size, diverse origins, and presence in complex mixtures, it remains a major challenge to pinpoint the source, cargo, and function of individual EVs. 

This PhD project will tackle that challenge using a novel single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy platform. The aim is to develop methods for "needle-in-a-haystack" detection of cell- and tissue-specific EVs, enabling their analysis directly within the complex environments where they occur. By characterising EVS at unprecedented resolution, this approach promises to reveal new insights into their diversity and roles in biology, while opening future opportunities for translation into biotechnology and beyond. 

The project is a multidisciplinary collaboration between the University of Sheffield, where advanced spectroscopy tools are being developed, and Sheffield Hallam University, which has established pipelines for EV isolation and characterisation. The successful student will gain cutting-edge skills spanning cell biology, molecular biology, nanoparticle analysis, and biophysics, supported by a supervisory team with strong academic and industrial links. 

This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing field at the interface of biology, chemistry, and physics. You will work in a supportive research environment, present at national and international conferences, and develop as a versatile scientist equipped to pursue careers across academia, biotechnology, and industry. 

For informal enquiries about the project, please contact Dr Tim Craggs

Link to website: https://sheffield.ac.uk/mps/people/all-academic-staff/timothy-d-craggs

Eligibility:

Open to International (including EU) and UK (home) students.

You can apply if you have, or are expecting to gain, at least an upper second-class honours degree or equivalent. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of this programme, we welcome applications if your background is in any biological, chemical or physical science or mathematics and are interested in using your skills in addressing biological questions. International students should check if they meet the entry requirements for the host university.

We aim to support the most outstanding applicants from outside the UK and are able to offer a very limited number of bursaries that will enable full studentships to be awarded to international (EU and non-EU) applicants. These full studentships will only be awarded to exceptional quality candidates, due to the highly competitive nature of this scheme. 

The YBDTP is committed to recruiting extraordinary future scientists regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or career pathway to date. We understand that commitment and excellence can be shown in many ways and have built our recruitment process to reflect this. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in science, who have curiosity, creativity and a drive to learn new skills.

Not all projects will be funded; a limited number of candidates will be appointed via a competitive process.

English language: If English isn't your first language, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. Please see the English language requirements for the host university.

How to apply:

Application deadline: 5pm (UK time), Wednesday 7th January 2026

To submit your application, click on the link to the Expression of Interest form (also found in the Funding Notes section) of any of your chosen projects. You can apply for up to two YBDTP projects (which can be at different universities).

If you have any questions about the application process, please email YBDTP@leeds.ac.uk

If you have any questions about the project you are interested in, please email the project supervisor.

How we allocate:

Shortlisting will take place as soon as possible after the closing date and successful applicants will be notified promptly. If you're shortlisted, you'll be invited for an interview on a date to be confirmed in February 2025. You'll be notified as soon as possible after the interview dates whether your application has been successful, placed on a reserve list or unsuccessful. If you are successful, you'll be required to confirm your intention to accept the studentship within 10 days.

Terms and conditions:

The studentships are fully funded for four years, and you must complete your PhD in four years.

You'll receive the UKRI minimum doctoral stipend per year for your living costs, which is paid to you in regular installments. The UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) stipend is tax free and does not need to be paid back.

International students will need to have sufficient funds to cover the costs of their student visa, NHS health surcharge, travel insurance and travel to the UK as these are excluded from UKRI funding.