DPhil studentship in Physical Chemistry - Theoretical and computational studies of the spin dynamics and magnetic sensitivity of cryptochromes and related compounds

Applications are invited for a DPhil studentships in Physical Chemistry, to work under the supervision of Professors Peter Hore (http://research.chem.ox.ac.uk/peter-hore.aspx), Christiane Timmel (http://research.chem.ox.ac.uk/christiane-timmel.aspx), and Stuart Mackenzie (http://research.chem.ox.ac.uk/stuart-mackenzie.aspx) in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Oxford. The position is funded by a European Research Council Synergy Grant awarded to Prof. Hore and Prof. Henrik Mouritsen (University of Oldenburg, Germany) entitled: QuantumBirds: Radical-pair-based magnetic sensing in migratory birds: https://www.quantumbirds.eu/

Night-migratory songbirds, travelling alone over thousands of kilometres, have absolutely staggering navigational and sensory abilities. The successful completion of these magnificent voyages depends crucially on the birds’ ability to sense the Earth’s magnetic field. Exactly how this magnetic sense works is one of the most significant open questions in biology and biophysics. The experimental evidence suggests something extraordinary. The birds’ magnetic compass sensor seems to rely on coherent quantum phenomena that indirectly allow magnetic interactions a million times smaller than the thermal energy (Boltzmann’s constant multiplied by temperature) to be detected in biological tissue. The QuantumBirds project aims to determine whether the primary magnetic detection event occurring in the birds’ retinas involves the quantum spin dynamics of photochemically formed radical pairs in cryptochrome proteins. For a recent review article, see: Annu. Rev. Biophys., 45 (2016) 299-344. For a popular science article, see: The Quantum Robin: http://hore.chem.ox.ac.uk/PDFs/The_Quantum_Robin.pdf

The project will involve theoretical and computational studies of the spin dynamics and magnetic sensitivity of cryptochromes and related compounds.

Applicants should have, or expect, a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications) in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline (Physics, Materials Science, Engineering, etc.).

Candidates should submit a formal application for DPhil in Physical and Theoretical Chemistry (https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/courses/dphil-physical-and-theoretical-chemistry) via the Oxford online application system: http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/applying-to-oxford, quoting: PJH/ERC2/2021; you may want to check Application guide: https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/applying-to-oxford/application-guide

This studentship will cover course fees at Home rate plus provide a stipend of no less than the standard UK Research Council rate, currently set at £15,285 per year, for up to four years. The latest possible start date is 1st October 2021.

Application deadline: 12.00 noon UK time on Friday 22nd January 2021

For enquires relating to the application process please contact Aga Borkowska, Graduate Studies Administrator, [Email Address Removed] , +44 (0)1865 272569.

For informal enquiries please email [Email Address Removed].