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  Biochip Enzymologist: Single-molecule enzymology on biophotonics chips


   College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences

  ,  Tuesday, February 11, 2025  Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

About the Project

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Biochip Enzymologist: Single-molecule enzymology on biophotonics chips

Project Overview:

This exciting PhD studentship offers the opportunity to engage in pioneering research at the crossroads of integrated photonics technology, single-molecule sensing, and enzyme dynamics. The successful candidate will collaborate with external partners in device fabrication and biomolecular modelling, using cutting-edge technologies developed in Professor Vollmer’s lab.

The project centres around Whispering Gallery Mode (WGM) sensor technology, which will be integrated onto silicon photonics chips, enabling scalable on-chip single-molecule biosensing (Biochip). The PhD will focus on four key areas:

1. Pioneering Single-Molecule Sensing on Scalable Biochips

The student will advance WGM sensor technology to enable single-molecule detection on scalable biochips, a critical step for enabling applications in biological research and industrial fields.

2. Understanding Protein Dynamics with TdT (Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase)

This project will apply biochip technology to study the dynamics of TdT, a molecule examined at the single-molecule level in the Vollmer lab. The aim is to uncover valuable insights into its molecular mechanicsms and kinetics at the single-molecule level.

3. Advanced Data Analysis Using AI and Machine Learning

The student will employ advanced data analysis techniques, such as machine learning, to interpret sensing signals, particularly those associated with nucleotide incorporation. This will enhance the interpretation of data from single-molecule sensing experiments.

4. Enzyme Control for De Novo DNA Synthesis

The ultimate goal is to apply enzyme control on the biochip to regulate de novo DNA synthesis with a desired sequence. This will lay the foundation for the development of a next-generation DNA writer.

Research Environment:

The successful candidate will be part of a larger international consortium working towards the project's overarching objectives. There will be ample opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange across different research institutions. The studentship offers the chance to gain hands-on experience working with world-leading experts in biochip fabrication, biomolecular modelling, and advanced data analysis.

This unique interdisciplinary training will provide invaluable skills for a career in biochip technology, molecular biology, and data science.

Project-Specific Requirements:

None

Potential PhD Programme of Study:

PhD in Physics

Department:

Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter

Location:

Streatham Campus, University of Exeter

Funding:

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Doctoral Landscape Award

How to Apply:

Apply Here: https://srs.exeter.ac.uk/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_ipp_lgn.login?process=siw_ipp_app&code1=SSHIPDUM000195&code2=0039

or directly here:

IPP login screen

For project-specific enquiries, please contact Prof Frank Vollmer at:

Before applying, please ensure you read the entry requirements for the potential PhD programme.

More information about the application and procedure:

Award details | Funding and scholarships for students | University of Exeter

We look forward to receiving your application!

Biological Sciences (4) Chemistry (6) Engineering (12) Physics (29)

Funding Notes

also available for international applicants


References

References
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsphotonics.3c01570
1 Yu, D. et al. Whispering-gallery-mode sensors for biological and physical sensing. Nature Reviews Methods Primers 1, 83 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43586-021-00079-2

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