Dr Aneika Leney

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham

Scientific Background

Research Interests

The Leney lab is interested in utilising state-of-the-art mass spectrometers to analyse proteins and protein complexes. Our research focuses on protein post-translational modifications and how they modulate protein function. Protein modifications can be detrimental to human health, for example hyper-phosphorylated proteins can be found in Alzheimer’s disease patients. However, protein modifications can also have interesting biotechnological applications, such as in dyes for use in the food and cosmetics industry.

Our research combines both development of novel techniques to analyse protein post-translational modifications and their application to solve complex biological problems.

Research Groups

Leney Lab

Structural and Molecular Cell Biology

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: supportive, inspiring, collaborative.

Provision of Training

A lot of training is provided on how to use equipment in the lab by either myself or experienced PhD students/post-docs in the first year. We train you to become an independent researcher. by the end of your PhD.

Progression Monitoring and Management

I will support you to achieve your full potential. We will work together on your strengths and overcome weaknesses. I like to work closely with students to ensure they are happy with the project plans, giving them the opportunity to move in the research direction they like best.

Communication

I communicate with my team regularly. We have a whatsapp group which is mostly used to organise social gatherings or share holiday/conference pictures.

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me:

In a group meeting

At least once per week

In year 1 of PhD study

At least once per week

In year 2 of PhD study

At least once per fortnight

In year 3 of PhD study

At least once per fortnight

These meetings will be mainly face to face, and I am usually contactable for an instant response (if required) on every working day.

Work Pattern

Work in my lab requires being present on site (be it in a laboratory or at a field site) during defined core hours (or a subset if working part time).

Notice Period for Feedback

I need at least 1 week’s notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Current Projects (2025-26)

Primary supervisor for:

Developing mass spectrometry tools to combat challenges in structural biology

See the PhD Opportunities section to see if this project is currently open for applications via MIBTP.

Please Note: The main page lists projects via BBSRC Research Theme(s) quoted and then relevant Topic(s).

Developing mass spectrometry tools to combat challenges in structural biology

Secondary Supervisor(s): TBC

University of Registration: University of Birmingham

BBSRC Research Themes: Understanding the Rules of Life (Microbiology, Structural Biology)

Project Outline

Technology advancement is critical to understand more about how biology works to design novel therapeutics. Structural mass spectrometry, is expanding rapidly and being used to solve broad, challenging questions in biology, chemistry and medicine both in industry and academia. The PhD student will be integrated within the Leney lab whom together develops and applies mass spectrometry to solve a multitude of biological problems from cancer therapeutics and drug design, through to photosynthesis and blue biotechnology. The PhD project will specifically develop HDX-MS technology - the knowledge from which will be used to solve various biochemical challenges through collaborations with academics across the school of biological sciences and chemistry.

The University of Birmingham has a state-of-the-art mass spectrometry facility with the latest instrument, the Orbitrap Ascend Tribrid Mass Spectrometer, being installed in October 2024. The PhD student will be trained in the latest technology, have the opportunity to travel and present at conferences, and have the opportunity to mix with instrument developers responsible for instrument design. For more details on the research group, please refer to: https://www.leney-mass-spectrometry.com.

Co-supervisor on a project with Professor Helen Cooper.

Previous Projects (2024-25)

Primary supervisor for:

Regulating light controlling switches in photosynthesis to mitigate the effects climate change

Co-supervisor on a project with Professor Helen Cooper.

Previous Projects (2023-24)

Primary supervisor for:

Using mass spectrometry for structural elucidation of colourful macromolecular machines