A PhD position is available in the lab of Dr Martin Fascione and Prof Gavin Thomas to work on an ERC Consolidator Grant funded chemical glycobiology project focussed on the discovery and inhibition of novel glycosyl transferase enzymes active on rare pseudaminic acid sugars (1, 2, 3) present on bacterial surfaces. This unusual sugar is proposed to shield bacteria from detection and destruction by the human immune system and is presented by pathogenic bacteria including multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, dysentery-causing Shigella and Pseudomonas aeruginosa – the major cause of death for cystic-fibrosis patients. We recently identified novel enzymes capable of processing these glycoconjugates on cell surfaces and in this project will dissect their enzyme mechanism using sugar based probes, utilising a combination of chemical enzymology and biochemistry techniques to pave the way to the design of novel enzyme inhibitors with potential as anti-microbial, potentially opening up a new front in the war on superbugs. The project features extensive multidisciplinary training and would suit a candidate with an interest in chemical and enzymatic carbohydrate chemistry, biochemistry and chemical biology.
All Chemistry research students have access to our innovative Doctoral Training in Chemistry (iDTC): cohort-based training to support the development of scientific, transferable and employability skills: https://www.york.ac.uk/chemistry/postgraduate/idtc/
The Department of Chemistry holds an Athena SWAN Gold Award and is committed to supporting equality and diversity for all staff and students. The Department strives to provide a working environment which allows all staff and students to contribute fully, to flourish, and to excel: https://www.york.ac.uk/chemistry/ed/.
For more information about the project, click on the supervisor's name above to email the supervisor. For more information about the application process or funding, please click on email institution
This PhD will formally start on 1 October 2023 although induction activities may begin earlier
To apply for this project, submit an online PhD in Chemistry application:
https://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/courses/apply?course=DRPCHESCHE3
You should hold or expect to achieve the equivalent of at least a UK upper second class degree in Chemistry or a related subject.