Proteins often have a well-defined structure that is key to it performing their function. Intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) have no defined 3D structure and are found in many proteins, yet their purpose is poorly understood. IDRs are often found in proteins that are known to form misfolded and aggregated (stuck together) structures in the pathogenesis of neurological and neurodegenerative diseases, for example α-synuclein in Parkinson’s disease. IDRs often contain a higher than normal number of proline residues, which are interesting in their own right as they permit proteins to form distinct shapes or conformations and play a key role in the slowest steps of protein folding.
This project aims to establish the importance of the proline residues in α-synuclein as a means to understand more widely their role in protein folding and misfolding in health and disease.
Work will be carried out in the School of Chemistry at the University of Edinburgh and will be co-supervised by Dr Chris Coxon, Dr Antonia Mey and Dr Mathew Horrocks. The researcher will receive high-level training in a range of multidisciplinary techniques, including solid phase peptide synthesis, developing computational models to understand protein folding (e.g alpha-fold and related computational tools) and performing super-resolution microscopy using synthesised models. This is an exciting opportunity for graduates with a background in biochemistry, molecular biology, chemistry, biophysics and related disciplines.
Application Process:
To apply for an EASTBIO PhD studentship, follow the instructions below:
1) Informal enquiries should be addressed to Dr Christopher Coxon in the first instance. To apply, please send a cover letter outlining your previous research experience and reasons for applying, alongside an up-to-date CV to [Email Address Removed]
2) After you have discussed the projects of interest to you with Dr Coxon, download and complete the EASTBIO Equality, Diversity and Inclusion survey and then fill in the EASTBIO Application Form and submit the application form to Dr Coxon .
3) Send the EASTBIO Reference Form to your two academic/professional referees. Please ask your referees to submit your references directly to Dr Chris Coxon [Email Address Removed]
4) If you are nominated by the supervisor(s) of this EASTBIO PhD project, they will provide a Supervisor Support Statement for your application.
We anticipate that our first set of interviews will be held 7th – 11th February 2022 with awards made in the following week.
If you have further queries about the application/recruitment process please contact EASTBIO
The successful applicant will be advised how to apply for admission to the PhD programme via EUCLID in due course.
The School of Chemistry holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. The University is a member of the Race Equality Charter and is a Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champion, actively promoting LGBT equality. The University has a range of initiatives to support a family friendly working environment. See our University Initiatives website for further information. University Initiatives website: https://www.ed.ac.uk/equality-diversity/help-advice/family-friendly
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