Fully-funded White Rose BBSRC DTP Biology project: Mechanistic dissection of intra-Golgi vesicle targeting

Lead supervisor: Prof Dani Ungar (Department of Biology)

Co-supervisors: Dr Christoph Baumann (Department of Biology)

The student will be registered with the Department of Biology

Intracellular vesicle transport is key for establishing compartmental identities, and therefore in defining eukaryotic cells. It is of utmost importance that vesicles reach the correct target membrane, otherwise compartmental identities become mixed. This project will use a cell-free reconstitution of vesicle transport within the mammalian Golgi to investigate the mechanisms of vesicle targeting. We will use state-of-the art super-resolution imaging and total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy to visualize the process. Cell lines expressing specifically engineered marker proteins will be established during the project, and biochemically dissected before moving onto the cell-free reconstitution and the accompanying microscopy. Use of this combination of microscopic methods on a reconstituted membrane transport system is novel and will require the student to combine modern biophysics with biochemistry and cell biology, thus providing excellent training in all three disciplines.

This highly interdisciplinary project will be supported by supervisors who are experts in all aspects of the work. All the equipment, the cellular models and the biochemical methods are developed and maintained in-house, ensuring instant access and maximal flexibility in their use. For inquiries contact Professor Daniel Ungar (molecular cell biology/membrane biochemistry - email [Email Address Removed]) or Dr Christoph Baumann (biophysics/microscopy - email [Email Address Removed]).

The Department of Biology holds an Athena SWAN Gold Award. We are committed to supporting equality and diversity and strive to provide a positive working environment for all staff and students.

The WR DTP and the University of York are committed to recruiting future scientists regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or career pathway to date. We understand that commitment and excellence can be shown in many ways and we have built our recruitment process to reflect this. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in science, who have curiosity, creativity and a drive to learn new skills.

Entry Requirements: Students with, or expecting to gain, at least an upper second class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply. The interdisciplinary nature of this programme means that we welcome applications from students with any biological, chemical, and/or physical science backgrounds, or students with mathematical background who are interested in using their skills in addressing biological questions. 

Programme: PhD in Mechanistic Biology (4 years)

Start Date: 1st October 2023

Interviews: Friday 10 February 2023 or Monday 13 February 2023. Please keep these dates free.