Overview
Just as LEGO blocks can be assembled into complex structures, there has been much interest in using nature’s macromolecules as building blocks for the synthesis of well-defined and functional nanostructures. Proteins make potentially exciting building blocks because they display powerful functional properties, however, the assembly of proteins is challenging on account of their chemical complexity and the lack of general reactions that can efficiently link them into larger structures. At Newcastle we have shown (Chem, 2020, 6, 3132–3151) how the interaction between a protein called Caf1 can be modulated to drive protein assembly and disassembly. The aim of this project is to build upon these findings and develop Caf1 as a building block for the construction of well-defined structures. We will expand the palette of Caf1-based building blocks through structural mutagenesis, and through kinetic and thermodynamic studies understand how the mutations influence the protein-protein interaction. With this understanding, we will then use our palette of protein building blocks to build more complex architectures e.g. functionalized polymers, cyclic oligomers. The project will appeal to those interested in applying ideas in self-assembly to solve challenges at the chemistry-biology interface, and will provide training in protein synthesis/characterization, biophysics, chemical kinetics and methods to characterize nanostructures. The project will be performed in the groups of Dr David Fulton (Chemistry) and Prof Jeremy Lakey (Biosciences Institute) at Newcastle University. Applications welcome from students with background in chemistry or any area of bioscience. Start date would be September 2023, but applicants who could start in January or April 2023 are also welcome.
Number Of Awards
1
Start Date
January, April or September 2023
Award Duration
3 years
Sponsor
This project is funded by the William Henry Beck legacy endowment and the generous bequest of Dr W Oliver Ord.
Supervisors
Dr David A Fulton (Chemistry - Newcastle University)
Professor Jeremy H Lakey (Biosciences Institute - Newcastle University)
Eligibility Criteria
A Master’s level degree in chemistry or bioscience (1st Class or 2:1 minimum or equivalent) is required.
The award is available to UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status only.
How To Apply
To apply for a studentship, you must register and apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal
Once registered select ‘Create a Postgraduate Application’.
Use ‘Course Search’ to identify your programme of study:
- you can search for the ‘Course Title’ using the programme code: 8100F
- the Research Area is: Chemistry
- select ‘PhD Chemistry - Chemistry' as the programme of study
You will then need to provide the following information in the ‘Further Questions’ section:
- a ‘Personal Statement’ (this is a mandatory field) - upload a document or write a statement directly in to the application form
- the studentship code SNES227 in the ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ field
- when prompted for how you are providing your research proposal - select ‘Write Proposal’. You should then type in the title of the research project from this advert - you do not need to upload a research proposal.
In addition, before you submit your application you will need to upload the following supporting documentation:
- covering letter and CV. The covering letter must state the title of the studentship, quote reference code SNES227 and state how your interests and experience relate to the project
- degree transcripts and certificates and, if English is not your first language, a copy of your English language qualification if already completed.
You will not be able to submit your application until you have submitted all required documents/information.
Contact Details
For informal enquiries and further details potential applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss their application with [Email Address Removed].
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