PhD: Protein folding in environments

Fully funded PhD place at Warwick with Prof Scott Habershon on protein folding using modelling and mass spectrometry in HetSys.

Number of Opportunities Available

1 fully funded place

Department

Centre for Doctoral Training in the Modelling of Heterogeneous Materials (HetSys), Department of Physics

About the project:

Bottom-up Decoding of Protein Conformational Landscapes: from Gas-phase to Solution

Supervisor: Prof. Scott Habershon, University of Warwick

Protein folding is a dynamic, complex process by which proteins traverse the free energy landscape, thus connecting the unfolded and the folded (native) state. Understanding protein folding mechanisms is a key route to better understanding misfolding-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s – but predicting how proteins fold in biological environments remains a key unmet challenge.

This project brings together insights from efficient graph-driven folding simulations with mass spectrometry experimental data, creating a unique multi-stranded methodology to map out free energy landscapes associated with protein folding in environments spanning gas-phase to microsolvation environment.

About HetSys: Harnessing Data, Modelling and Simulation for Real‑World Impact

HetSys (Centre for Doctoral Training in Modelling of Heterogeneous Systems) at the University of Warwick is an innovative, interdisciplinary fully funded PhD programme that brings together science, engineering, and mathematics to tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our time.

• Big Questions, Real Impact – From climate modelling and sustainable energy to advanced materials and biomedical systems, HetSys projects apply cutting‑edge computational and mathematical techniques to problems with global significance.
• Interdisciplinary Training – Students gain expertise across physics, engineering, computer science, and applied mathematics, developing versatile skills that open doors to both academia and industry.
• Collaborative Environment – Work alongside leading researchers and industry partners in a supportive, vibrant community that values curiosity, creativity, and collaboration.
• Future‑Focused Careers – HetSys graduates are equipped with highly sought‑after skills in modelling, simulation, and data science, preparing them for impactful careers in research, technology, and beyond.

If you’re excited by the idea of using advanced modelling and simulation to solve complex, real‑world problems, HetSys offers the perfect environment to push boundaries and make a difference.

Additional Funding 

Awards for UK, EU, International applicants cover full University fees, give a research training budget and a tax-free stipend to cover living costs (standard UKRI rate £20780 in 25/26 – equivalent to national living wage)