Inspired by natural photosynthesis and addressing limitations of purely synthetic approaches, this PhD project aims to provide proof of principle for light-driven chemical synthesis through the design and assembly of novel inorganic:biological hybrid materials.
The project will establish methods to combine robust, synthetic light-harvesting materials with non-photosynthetic bacteria in a sustainable solution to delivering chemical transformations. The surface of Shewanella bacteria will be site-selectively labelled with light-harvesting molecules using detailed knowledge of the MTR protein complex, a biological molecular wire, that conducts electrons across the bacterial outer membrane. In this way, absorption of light will drive electrons across the bacterial outer membrane and, in turn, redox catalysis by enzymes inside the bacterium. During the project MTR variants will be designed to present different sites for labelling. The variants will be purified, labelled and incorporated into vesicles where their ability to perform light-driven electron transfer across a lipid bilayer will be quantified. For the best-performing MTR variants, protocols for their labelling on bacteria will be established, and light-driven production of fuels, for example, hydrogen (from water) and formate (from the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide), will be quantified.
This PhD will be supervised by Prof Julea Butt and research performed in collaboration with the groups of Dr Tom Clarke (UEA) and Prof Erwin Reisner (Cambridge). Working with a dynamic team in a supportive environment you will be trained to become expert in protein chemistry, photochemistry, spectroscopy, molecular biology, protein purification, enzymology and analytical chemistry.
Informal enquiries can be made to Prof Julea Butt ([Email Address Removed]) with a copy of your curriculum vitae and cover letter. The successful candidate should have (or expect to have) a UK Honours Degree (or equivalent) at 2.1 or above in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Natural Sciences, Chemical Engineering or a related subject and have interests in synthetic biology, chemical biology, spectroscopy and photochemistry.
For more information on the supervisor for this project, please go here: https://people.uea.ac.uk/j_butt
This is a PhD programme.
The start date is 1st October 2021.
The mode of study is full time.
The studentship length is 4 years.
Entry Requirements:
At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1 or UK equivalence Master's degree. English Language requirement (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category).
About NRP DTP:
The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NRPDTP) is open to UK and international candidates for entry October 2021 and offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP students undertake a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS) during their study. The placement offers exciting and invaluable work experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team. Students with, or expecting to attain, at least an upper second class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply.
This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP programme.
Visit our website for further information on eligibility and how to apply: https://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk/
Our partners value diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background.
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