Project Description
Viruses are an important part of most environments on the planet. All living things are infected by viruses, and many different defence systems have evolved to combat infection. One example is the CRISPR system for adaptive immunity, which is only found in prokaryotes (bacteria and archaea) and which has proven vital for the development of new genome editing technologies. The most complex and sophisticated CRISPR system is known as type III (Cas9 is type II). Type III systems recognise viral RNA and activate the Cas10 subunit, which generates large amounts of a cyclic nucleotide (cyclic oligoadenylate, cOA). cOA functions as a second messenger, activating a diverse range of cellular defence proteins to provide immunity. Although we know the structures and activities of type III CRISPR systems, we do not yet fully understand how target RNA is recognised, and in particular how this recognition is coupled to the activation of the Cas10 subunit.
In this project, the Penedo and White labs will combine their expertise (in single molecule and type III CRISPR, respectively) to obtain a detailed understanding of the activation process by studying single molecules using fluorescent imaging techniques (TIRF microscopy and FRET). These approaches are very powerful, can provide information that no other technique is capable of, and will deliver a step change in our understanding of this important prokaryotic immune pathway. The PhD position will provide an ideal opportunity to obtain training in a wide range of cutting-edge techniques spanning from biophysical imaging to fluorescence bioconjugation methods and CRISPR-based technologies. This set of inter-disciplinary skills will place the PhD candidate in an excellent position to pursue a career in the academic or private sectors.
You will be a member of two well-funded, productive and friendly labs, with a mix of Masters and PhD students, Research Technicians and Postdocs, that have been successfully collaborating for many years. We occupy modern, well-equipped laboratories in St Andrews, close to the beautiful Scottish countryside and within 1 hour of Edinburgh. You will receive training in molecular biology, bioinformatics and a range of single-molecule imaging techniques, depending on your past experience and interests.
Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made by email to Malcolm White (email [Email Address Removed]) or Carlos Penedo ([Email Address Removed]).
How To Apply
Details of the competition are given here: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study-abroad/global-research/csc/
Applicants must submit an application for entry onto the School's PhD programme. Please do this via the Online Application Portal by the 9th January 2023. Once submitted, applicants must also submit a separate application for the scholarship by Thursday 12th January 2023.
We require the following documents; CV, personal statement, 2 references, academic qualifications, English language qualification.
Keywords: CRISPR, viruses, adaptive immunity, single molecule studies, microscopy
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