Applications are invited for a PhD studentship to study the structure and dynamics of small molecule-DNA interactions with a view to designing novel scaffolds for next-generation light-harvesting devices. The project is joint between the Departments of Physics (Dr Neil Hunt) and Chemistry (Dr Glenn A. Burley) at the University of Strathclyde and offers an excellent opportunity to study in a multidisciplinary environment and gain the associated unique blend of highly transferrable skills. The project will apply the new technique of ultrafast 2D-IR spectroscopy to observe DNA binding interactions in real time and use this to guide the design of new DNA-based constructs.
Background: The development of scalable, efficient and accurate methods to control the spatial arrangement of light-harvesting materials using self-assembly represents one of the greatest scientific challenges today. Both Science and Nature journals have highlighted control of self-assembly as one of the biggest questions that faces modern scientific inquiry and this could open new vistas to address some of the pressing energy-related issues confronting society.
The challenge: a significant challenge in nanotechnology is to construct precisely defined functional nanomaterials with three dimensional control and sub-nanometre resolution. This studentship will explore solutions to these challenges using DNA as the self-assembly basis. We will utilize DNA-binding molecules to direct the placement of light-harvesting molecules and proteins along a DNA-programmed array. This requires contributions from many disciplines; the successful candidate will join the physics team looking at the hydrogen bond dynamics and binding of these molecules using cutting edge spectroscopy and will work closely with teams based in chemistry.
The project: You will examine the self-assembly of DNA-programmed light-harvesting nanomaterials in real time. This will combine two breakthrough technologies: Burley’s self-assembly approach using DNA-binding polyamides [Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 2011, 50, 2712-2715], which provides unprecedented control of placing light-harvesting modules along a DNA-programmed array; and Hunt’s pioneering work in 2D-IR spectroscopy [Chemical Society Reviews 2009, 38, 1837-1848]. Using our femtosecond laser spectrometer, you will exploit the ability of 2D-IR to observe structure changes in real time in order to understand the most fundamental principles involved in the DNA-programmed formation of nanomaterials.
This uniquely flexible project will suit candidates with a background in physical chemistry or physics and who possesses the drive and ambition to succeed in a multidisciplinary environment. The project will focus on ultrafast laser spectroscopy investigations of the processes that govern the structure and formation of these molecules using a suite of state-of-the-art methods. The data obtained will feed back into the design and synthesis of new materials through liaison with team members based in chemistry. In both departments the work will be carried out in newly refurbished, purpose-designed laboratories. The project will also provide the successful candidate with unique interdisciplinary training and a skill-set that will be applicable across a wide range of disciplines. Finally, the varied nature of the project will give the successful candidate significant scope to tailor the project to their own interests.
For more information please see:
http://phys.strath.ac.uk/information/acadstaff/neil.hunt.php
http://www.burleylabs.co.uk
or email glenn.burley@strath.ac.uk or neil.hunt@strath.ac.uk;
Funding Notes:
Project will be funded by a Strathclyde University studentship - eligibility for a full shcolarship is limited to EU citizens
References:
N.T.Hunt, "2D-IR spectroscopy: ultrafast insights into biomolecule structure and function", Chem. Soc. Rev. 38, 1837-1848 (2009) doi: 10.1039/b819181f
Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 2008 Results