Job Description

This project will elucidate how mutations alter transcription factor (TF) function by integrating deep mutational scanning and stem cell-based functional assays.

Award details

Project summary

Transcription factors (TFs) control gene expression and are central to human biology and disease — yet over 300 are implicated in disorders and remain largely undruggable. Our team has recently developed a scalable and generalizable platform for classifying TF variants and identifying potentially druggable regulatory sites (patent filed; manuscript submitted).

This PhD project will explore how mutations alter TF function using state-of-the-art deep mutational scanning (DMS). By integrating a bacteria-based minimal system with human iPSC-derived pancreatic cells, the student will analyse the functional consequences of tens of thousands of mutations in parallel. The goal is to create predictive tools and modular experimental platforms for understanding TF variant effects and for engineering novel transcriptional regulators — advancing both fundamental biology and biotechnological applications.

Training and environment

The successful candidate will join a supportive, multidisciplinary research team at King’s College London, with expertise spanning synthetic biology, molecular genetics, biophysics, stem cell biology, and developmental biology. Both departments are co-located, providing a vibrant and collaborative research environment.

Through a structured training programme, the student will gain advanced skills in:

• AI-driven variant effect prediction and computational modelling
• High-throughput synthetic biology and mutational scanning
• Stem-cell-based models of human disease and gene regulation

Candidate profile

We welcome applicants who are highly motivated, creative, and enthusiastic about interdisciplinary research. Previous experience in molecular biology, stem cell biology, or computational data analysis is desirable but not essential — full training will be provided.

This project offers an outstanding opportunity to develop both experimental and computational expertise, and to contribute to transformative research at the interface of genetics, systems biology, and precision medicine.

Award value

This is a 3-year full time PhD studentship funded by the Generation Trust.

The preferred start date is 1 February 2026 but applications will be considered for a 1 June 2026 or 1 October 2026 start.

Eligibility criteria

Academic requirement:

The candidate should have a BSc degree (minimum upper second) or MSc in a relevant biomedical discipline.

English Language Requirements:

Band D

Applicant Residency:

Open to applicants eligible for ‘Home’ fee status

Application process

Please submit an application for the Basic and Medical Bioscience Research MPhil/PhD (Full-time) using the King’s online application form.

Before completing the application click here for information about the programme, requirements and details of what documentation and information needs to be included in your application.
Please include in your application:

• Details of previous employment where applicable
• A 500-word personal statement outlining your motivation for undertaking postgraduate research should be uploaded to the Supporting statement section.
• References: two supporting references are required with at least one academic. Professional references will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. The prospective supervisors must not be given as referees. Applicant must ensure that their chosen referees are made aware of the requirement to submit the reference before the application deadline.

In the application form under ‘Funding information’: Please select option 5 ‘I am applying for a funding award or scholarship administered by King’s College London’ and under ‘Award Scheme Code or Name’ add 20252BMBS10. Failing to include this code might result in you not being considered for this funding.

For enquiries

It is highly recommended to informally approach Dr Xianghua Li (xianghua.li@kcl.ac.uk) before making an application. For administrative and application process enquiries please contact BMBS PGR.