Dr Tim Allison
Applications accepted all year round
About the Project
A PhD scholarship (fees and stipend) is available in the Allison Lab at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand.
In this Royal Society of New Zealand Marsden-funded project you will study the structure and function of membrane-bound glycosyltransferase enzymes responsible for the biosynthesis of the glycans used in bacterial glycosylation. Specifically, the PhD project involves studying a range of these enzymes to unravel the structural determinants of their specificity and processivity, and the ways in which they self-assemble to form protein complexes. In the course of this research you will become expert in protein crystallography and native mass spectrometry, and use and be exposed to many different biophysical techniques and approaches. This research will involve international travel to perform work at the Australian Synchrotron, as well as opportunities to travel to attend national and international conferences.
The lab is in the School of Physical and Chemical Sciences and the Biomolecular Interaction Centre, which offer a friendly and supportive environment, and are well-equipped with a large range of biophysical instrumentation. Mid 2020 a brand new high-mass mass spectrometer will also arrive. This year we moved into a new purpose built laboratory and building, offering a pleasant and modern working environment.
Christchurch is the gateway to the South Island of New Zealand where there is a plethora of beautiful scenery, from the sea to the mountains, with many different activities and destinations to explore.
The scholarship is available for a March 2020 start-date at earliest, with some flexibility of start date after this time possible. Further information about the Allison Lab is on our website allisonlab.org, and enquiries about the scholarship should be directed to Tim ([Email Address Removed]).
In your email, or in a cover letter, please outline your background, motivation for the position, and when you could begin your PhD; and include a full CV (detailing academic qualifications); and names and contact details of 2-3 academic/industrial referees. Ideal candidates will have recent research experience (e.g. Hons or Masters) preparing proteins for in vitro study.
Please also note the University of Canterbury entry requirements, including the English language requirements, outlined here: http://www.canterbury.ac.nz/postgraduate/phd-and-doctoral-study/
Funding Notes
Value: NZ$27,500 stipend per annum, plus tuition fees covered. Not covered: student services levy, and (if applicable) international student insurance, visa costs, and relocation.
Tenure: 3 years