Structural Analysis of Radical Sam Enzymes

We are seeking an academically excellent, bright and motivated individual to join the Roach lab as a PhD student. The project focuses on structural analysis of enzymes from the ‘radical SAM’ superfamily, with the ultimate goal of understanding how these enzymes use radical intermediates during catalysis.
We are interested in recruiting strong candidates with a good degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry or a related discipline and an interest in protein crystallography and enzymology. The project will involve the expression and purification of the target enzymes, co-crystallisation of the enzymes with their substrates, data collection, structure building and refinement. The laboratory is very well equipped for this project. In addition, the successful candidate will make use of robotic crystallisation facilities and diffraction data will be collected either ‘in house’ using the National Crystallography Service diffractometer or at the Diamond Light Source. The position is part of an exciting collaboration with Dr. Jim Spencer (School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol) and one of the target enzymes is involved in bacterial resistance to antibiotics.
The multi-disciplinary nature of the project will provide an excellent training environment for learning a variety of new laboratory skills. It will be advantageous if candidates have prior practical experience of either protein expression or protein crystallography; however this is not essential and training will be provided as required.