Share
Institution: University of Nottingham
United Kingdom
Retrieved : 2020-04-30 Expired
Description :

An exciting Industrially-supported BBSRC iCASE PhD studentship to undertake research into the development of new photoproteins using a combination of organic synthesis and protein engineering is available in the School of Chemistry at the University of Nottingham, working with Prof. Neil R. Thomas's group in the recently completed, state of the art multidisciplinary Biodiscovery Institute. The 4 year PhD studentship covering both fees and stipend (see eligibility) will also involve working with Prof. John Hunt (Nottingham Trent University) and our Industrial Partner, Dr Jan Hunt (Knight Scientific Ltd, Plymouth) at their laboratories.

The PhD project will involve the modification of an existing protein scaffold using site directed mutagenesis to allow it to accommodate a range of modified ‘luciferins’ which the student will also synthesize. The protein-luciferin combinations (photoproteins) produced will then be assessed for their ability to produce light (luminesce) in the presence of a range of activating agents including reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as singlet oxygen. Efficient photoproteins will then be evaluated in a number of applications including biosensors for the detection of ROS, and as components of protein based photodynamic therapy systems for applications in cancer. During the PhD, training will be provided in molecular biology, protein expression and engineering, as well as the characterization of the modified protein scaffolds using circular dichroism, mass spectrometry and dynamic scanning calorimetry. The synthesis strand of the project will provide training in modern multistep preparative organic chemistry and the use of high field NMR, mass spectrometry and other methods for the characterization of the new luciferins and photoprotein bioconjugates. In the final stages of the project the PhD student will be trained in mammalian cell culture and how to measure cell viability and luminescence efficiency in order to evaluate the applications of the new photoproteins.

Entry Requirement: This is a multidisciplinary project that would best suit applicants with a strong interest in applying preparative chemistry to functionalising proteins and the characterisation of the resulting conjugates. Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Biochemistry or Natural Sciences (majoring in Chemistry and Biology/Biochemistry).

Studentship information:

It is fully funded for four years. The award would be fees (£4409 p.a.) plus an annual stipend (£15,285 p.a. for Oct 2020), set by the Research Councils. 

How to apply: 

The preferred start date is 01/10/20. The 4-year PhD studentship will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate has been found, candidates are therefore encouraged to apply via https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/bbdtp/apply/apply-online.aspx as soon as possible. 

Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact Prof Thomas (neil.thomas@nottingham.ac.uk) for more details about the project or visiting https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/bbdtp/case-2020/case-2020.aspx 

Closing date: noon, Tuesday 12 May 2020
 

Eligibility: This fully-funded studentship is available to UK students and EU students who have lived in the UK for 3 years prior to the start of their studies. EU students without meeting this criteria are eligible for a fees-only award.

Closing Date: 12 May 2020
Category: Studentships





Disclaimer : We aim to provide correct and reliable information about upcoming events, but cannot accept responsibility for the text of announcements or for the bona fides of event organizers. Please feel free to contact us if you notice incorrect or misleading information and we will attempt to correct it.