The acclimation of photosynthesis to changes in light and other environmental conditions in plants and algae.

AccliPhot is an interdisciplinary Marie Curie Initial Training Network devoted to study the acclimation of photosynthesis to changes in light and other environmental conditions in plants and algae. This will involve interdisciplinary collaboration using complementary experimental and theoretical approaches. The PhD students will be trained in cutting-edge experimental projects and modern modeling approaches. They will acquire complementary competences in specialized workshops, as well as through internships in other laboratories or with industrial partners.

The OBU aspect of the project is concerned with the construction, refinement and analysis of genome-scale metabolic models, integrating results generated by experimental members of the consortium, and use the results of these to further direct experimental work.

You will be required to construct a genome-scale metabolic model of Phaeodactylum and analyse this to identify efficient pathways for generation of useful products, applying these results to bioreactor design and optimisation. You will acquire complementary competences in specialised workshops, as well as through internships in other laboratories or with industrial partners within the network. The work will be carried out within the Cell Systems Modelling Group (http://mudshark.brookes.ac.uk) in the Department of Biological and Medical Sciences and supervised by Dr Mark Poolman.

The candidate should hold a BSc or MSc Biology or Biochemistry (for BSc minimum 2.1 or equivalent), demonstrable experience in programming (any language) and have some background in computer science, mathematics or bioinformatics. Candidates with qualifications in mathematics or computing with an interest in biochemistry are also encouraged to apply. Good working knowledge of the English language is essential and candidates must meet the English Language standards of the University to register for a higher degree (IELTS with an overall score of between 6.0 - 7.0 and with 6.0 in reading, writing, listening and speaking). The successful candidate will be enrolled in the AccliPhot Marie Curie ITN (www.accliphot.eu) and in the PhD Program of the Oxford Brookes University. The conditions of these two programs will apply for recruitment, salary and social benefits. Candidates must have less than 4 years of research experience since they obtained their degree, and have spent less than 1 year in the UK in the last 3 years. In a perspective of gender balance, women are especially encouraged to apply.

Please apply online at https://edm.brookes.ac.uk/hr/hr/vacancies.do?id=14833360

Closing date for the receipt of applications is the 20th May 2013.