Project No.2454

STANDARD PROJECT

Primary Supervisor

Dr Owen Rackham – University of Southampton

Co-Supervisor(s)

Prof Mark Smales – University of Kent

Summary

How cells control how much protein they make from their genes—known as translational regulation—is becoming increasingly important in understanding biology and improving how medicines like vaccines and antibodies are produced.

However, compared to the well-studied process of turning genes into messages (transcription), we still know relatively little about how these messages are turned into proteins. This PhD project aims to help change that. Building on recent work from the Rackham Lab, the student will develop an AI tool to design messenger RNAs (mRNAs) predicted to be more or less active in specific types of cells. These predictions will be tested in the Smales Lab using simple model proteins that can be easily measured to see how quickly they are made in different cell types and using different mRNAs. We will also test how the delivery method—either as DNA or as already-made mRNA—affects how well the cells produce the protein.

The project offers a unique interdisciplinary environment where the student will (a) develop computational biology skills in omics data analysis (RNA-seq and Ribo-seq), (b) design AI tools tailored to biological questions, and (c) carry out experimental validation. The outcomes are expected to generate commercial IP, reveal new insights into translational control, and produce high-impact publications. In the long term, this platform could accelerate biologics production, guide RNA therapeutic delivery to specific tissues, and uncover fundamental translation principles. The ideal candidate will have some programming experience and a strong interest in computational and experimental biology. An ambition to generate real-world impact through publication or commercialisation would be an asset.