This fully funded PhD project is aimed at graduates with a strong interest in multi-disciplinary research. We invite applications from highly motivated students from a wide range of academic backgrounds including physical, biological, biomedical, computational, engineering or mathematical disciplines. The successful applicant will be part of a growing cohort of graduate students in University of York’s Physics of Life Group (PoL) https://www.york.ac.uk/physics-engineering-technology/research/physics-of-life/, a major research grouping the School of Physics, Engineering and Technology (PET) and home to the UK Physics of Life network PoLNET https://www.physicsoflife.org.uk/ in a beautiful city recognised as one of the best places to live in the UK. This project will be supervised by Prof Mark Leake https://sites.google.com/a/york.ac.uk/mark-leake-group/, PoL Coordinator, involving innovative single-molecule biophysics research on biomolecular liquid condensates in bacteria, relating to his recent high impact publication https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.abh2929. Liquid-liquid phase separation is emerging as a crucial phenomenon in living organisms. Many different types of cells exhibit mesoscale liquid droplets over a 10-100nm scale, however, the interplay between the physics of their formation/disruption, the forces involved, and their biological role remains a fascinating mystery. In this exciting PhD project you will study a model protein-based droplet in live cells called the aggresome that can be controllably formed in bacteria using a range of cell stress factors, which acts to help bacteria survive harsh environments including antibiotics. You will apply and develop single-molecule experimental tools including optical and magnetic tweezers and super-resolution microscopy to image and manipulate single droplets. You will also develop new image analysis and simulation software tools to model droplet dynamics and interactions, from individual protein diffusion to merging of entire droplets and their rheology properties. This unique interdisciplinary training opportunity as part of York’s flagship PoL group will enable you to develop transformative skills in experimental and theoretical biophysics and multiple essential ‘wetlab’ methods in biology.
Requirements
We are looking for candidates that meet the following criteria:
- You should have, or expect to obtain, an MPhys degree at 2:1 or above, or an MSc in Physics, Biophysics, Nanoscience, Materials Science, or biological, biomedical, computational, engineering or mathematical disciplines with demonstrable biophysics content. We will also consider applicants who have relevant industry experience, and applicants with a BSc at 2:1 or above where sufficient relevant experience can be demonstrated.
- Experience with one or more of the following topics: optical microscopy, biophysics, nanoscience;
- Creative, open-minded and proactive;
- Excellent experimental and analytical skills;
- Ability to be part of a team and work independently;
- Fluency in English (spoken and written).
Training
As a doctoral student, the focus of your work will be on your independent research project. The research community in York’s PET nurtures close to 150 research students, covering everything from nuclear physics and astrophysics to the Physics of Life. Our research programmes combines training in specialist areas with wider scientific skills. We provide training which will equip you with skills in a wide range of research methods, supporting your growing expertise and enhancing your employability. Alongside your research, taught modules will help you develop specialist skills and relate your project to developments in the field. You'll choose from a wide range of Masters and undergraduate modules in specialist areas to complement your research, including the Physics of Life taken by all graduate students in the PoL cohort. You'll also take part in a transferable skills programme, covering soft and hard skills.
This PhD will formally start on 1 October 2023. Induction activities may start a few days earlier.
How to apply
To apply for this project, submit an online PhD in Physics application:
https://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/courses/apply?course=DRPPHYSPHY3
Early expression of interest, and discussion of further details, is strongly recommended by contacting Prof Mark Leake https://sites.google.com/a/york.ac.uk/mark-leake-group/.
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