PIPS Placement Working on Targeted Protein Degradation
Scott Allen talks us through his recent Professional Internship for PhD Students (PIPS) placement
Over the past three months, I’ve been based at Peak Proteins (part of Sygnature Discovery), completing my PIPS placement. The PIPS scheme is an essential component of BBSRC-funded PhD projects, providing students with the opportunity to undertake a research project in a non-academic setting and allowing them to develop new skills and build valuable networks.
I previously worked at Peak Proteins between 2020-2021, before heading off to the University of Bath to begin my PhD project on developing peptide inhibitors of alpha synuclein aggregation. Since I left three years ago, Peak Proteins has undergone significant growth as part of Sygnature Discovery, now playing a key role in the protein science department. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being back at Peak, catching up with familiar faces, and seeing how much Peak has evolved under Sygnature. The addition of new lab spaces, cutting-edge equipment, and most importantly, many new faces, highlights the recent progress.
My placement began with a detailed tour of Sygnature’s lab space at Alderley Park. It was great to explore the various departments of Sygnature, in which I managed to see the Chemistry, Bioscience, Translational Oncology, and the DMPK labs, speaking to experienced members of each team about the work they do on a day-to-day basis. I then started my project at Peak Proteins the next day.
The main focus during my time here at Peak has been on Targeted Protein Degradation (TPD), an area in drug research that is currently gaining a lot of traction. It has been invaluable to get an introduction to this field, working hands-on with the proteins, and techniques involved to study TPD. Under the guidance of Lead Scientist, Duncan Smith, I had the opportunity to use some of the new equipment here at Peak Proteins, such as FIDA and the SEC-MALS system, equipment that I had no previous experience with before arriving for my placement. Learning from those who have a deep understanding of these techniques is extremely useful for this stage of my career. The project has provided a refreshing change of pace from my PhD project, allowing me to develop new ideas and skills that I can take back to my final year at Bath.
Besides the team, and the work carried out, another great side to Peak Proteins is the surrounding area. Being back in the Peak District over the summer allowed me to walk some of the hills that surround Peak Proteins, some of which can be seen in the pictures attached. This was a highlight of the summer, rekindling my love of the outdoors!
The entire team at Peak Proteins has been incredibly welcoming and friendly, and I haven’t yet found a question that someone couldn’t answer. Sadly, I think I will be the first person to leave Peak Proteins twice, but I’m hoping to remain in touch with the team, continuing our collaborating for the project, and keeping up to date with the team through their monthly newsletter.
Two hills within easy reach of the labs a Peak Proteins : Hen Cloud and Shutlingsloe
