PhD studentship in Biophysics Theory - building models for cell growth and survival

We are pleased to invite applications for a fully funded 4-year PhD studentship in the area of Theoretical and Computational Biophysics at the University College London (UCL). The studentship will be based at the Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Institute for the Physics of Living Systems (IPLS) at UCL. IPLS is a cross-faculty institute with a mission to promote interdisciplinary research at the interface of physics and biology for a fundamental understanding of the complex behaviors of living systems.

The proposed project will be carried out in the research group of Dr. Shiladitya Banerjee.

The research group uses techniques and methods from theoretical physics and applied mathematics to develop quantitative models of biological systems. We seek to recruit a highly motivated and bright PhD student who will contribute towards the understanding of how unicellular bacteria can adapt their growth and morphologies to proliferate in the presence of antibiotics. To this end, we will integrate theory and experimental data analysis to understand how changes in cell morphologies regulate their fitness for proliferation under perturbations that challenge cell survival. In particular, our model will combine techniques in soft matter physics with the knowledge of cell biology, to predict how bacterial cells adapt their growth and morphologies to resist antibiotics.

- What scientific questions will you investigate?

Living matter operates far from equilibrium, constantly consuming and dissipating energy to perform their defining tasks of growth, self-replication, and adaptation to diverse environmental conditions. Over the past two decades, general physical principles governing the dynamics of non-equilibrium systems have emerged. How these principles apply to the regulation of vital biological processes remains poorly understood. The goal of the proposed research is to develop a simple and general biophysical model for uncovering the mechanisms underlying out-of-equilibrium adaptation of living cells to perturbations that challenge their survival. To this end, we will use unicellular bacteria as our model systems.

Bacterial growth and shapes are determined by the peptidoglycan cell wall, a rigid protein-based structure that can withstand high amounts of osmotic pressure while driving cell elongation. We seek to investigate how alterations in cell wall mechanical properties and resultant shape changes determine cellular fitness for proliferation in diverse environments.

This is important for understanding how bacterial cells can adapt their mechanical and biochemical properties to proliferate in the presence of antibiotics that target its protein biosynthesis. To this end, we propose a novel framework in which theoretical modelling and experimental data are integrated to dissect how the coupling between cell geometry, growth, and division dynamics promote adaptive response to applied perturbations in the growth media.

- What training will you receive?

The successful candidate will gain expertise in theoretical and computational modeling in biophysics as well as acquire a broad knowledge of soft matter physics, cell biology and statistical mechanics. You will be trained as a multidisciplinary scientist working collaboratively as part of a research team.

Person Specification:

The successful applicant should have (or expect to achieve) at least the equivalent of a UK upper second class MSci or Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Physics, Biophysics, Applied Mathematics, or a relevant subject.

Candidates should have a strong background in physics, mathematics, experience with programming, and knowledge of biological systems.

Candidates should also have excellent written and verbal communication.

Previous exposure to research at the interface of physics and biology is desirable.

Eligibility:

Please refer to the following website for eligibility criteria: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/physics-astronomy/study/phd

The studentship will cover all university fees and includes funds for maintenance at the standard UK rate and for participation in international conferences and workshops.

Please submit applications in the following format:

•A CV, including full details of all University course grades to date.

•Contact details for two academic or professional referees (at least one academic).

•A personal statement (750 words maximum) outlining (i) your academic excellence, (ii) suitability for the project with reference to the criteria in the person specification, (iii) what you hope to achieve from the PhD and (iv) your research experience to-date.

Please include a contact telephone number and an email address where you can be easily reached. References will be taken up for all short-listed candidates.

Please send electronic applications to [Email Address Removed]

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.