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Applications are invited for this BBSRC-funded PhD opportunity in Industrial Biotechnology and Bioenergy.
Biobutanol is a superior biofuel to ethanol. It has a higher energy content; can make use of existing petrol supply and distribution channels; can be blended with petrol at higher concentrations without engine modification; offers better fuel economy, and; has potential to be used as aviation fuel. Butanol is produced via the so-called ABE fermentation process of Clostridium acetobutylicum. Accordingly, in recent years there have been strenuous efforts to increase process productivity through metabolic engineering. However, to date, these approaches have been spectacularly unsuccessful as there is insufficient understanding of either the pathways involved, or their regulation.
In this project we wish to elucidate basic information on the regulatory mechanisms in place with a view to capitalising on the knowledge gained to improve productivity. Two approaches will be taken: (i) we will use a recently developed random transposon mutation system to derive and explore regulatory mutants affected in butanol formation and tolerance, and; (ii) we will target specific genes involved in Quorum Sensing using our revolutionary ClosTron mutagenesis system (www.clostron.com). The project will involve the generation of random and directed mutants and their subsequent physiological analysis (eg., metabolite analysis using GC and HPLC, sporulation and butanol resistance assays), Next Generation sequencing-based, Transposon-Directed Insertion Site Sequencing (TraDIS), transcriptome profiling of mutants using RNAseq and batch and chemostat cultivation of selected strains. Using the knowledge gained we will manipulate the organism using synthetic biology approaches to generate improved process strains.
Nottingham’s Clostridia Research Group (CRG) are renowned experts in the genetic modification of Clostridium, and with 30+ postdoctoral/graduate researchers (http://www.clostron.com/people.php) represent the largest clostridial molecular biology group in the world. They are part of the BBSRC Sustainable Bioenergy Centre (www.bsbec.bbsrc.ac.uk), and work with over a dozen companies concerned with the use of ‘Systems’ and ‘Synthetic Biology’ approaches to improving industrial applications of clostridia. The project offers training in anaerobic microbiology, advanced genetics, Next Generation Sequencing, bioinformatics, microbial physiology and metabolic engineering. In-keeping with CRGs aggressive strategy for protecting Intellectual Property, the student will also become conversant with the commercial aspects of research.
Funding Notes:
Candidates should have, or expect to obtain, a first or upper second-class degree in a relevant biological subject. This studentship is fully funded at the Standard Research Council stipend rates for 4 years. EU students may apply, but will be eligible for fees-only funding with no stipend unless they fulfil the residency criteria for a full award. Students will be expected to start on 1 October 2012, and stipend will be available for 4 years.
References:
Applications should be in the form of a detailed CV and a covering letter. The CV should contain the names and contacts (including Email addresses) of two referees, and the type, class and grade (or that predicted) of your degree. Please send your application to Prof Nigel Minton or Dr Klaus Winzer, Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD. Email: nigel.minton@Nottingham.ac.uk and/or klaus.winzer@nottingham.ac.uk