Location:
Living Systems Institute, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Stocker Road, Exeter, EX4 4QD and Diamond Light Source Ltd, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire, OX11 0DE
Project Description:
This project resides at the interface of cryo-electron microscopy and mitochondrial biology. It is comprised of two interlinked parts: firstly, to develop technology and high-throughput workflows enabling examination of multicellular organisms at high-resolution; and secondly, to apply this methodology to investigate the consequences of age-related disease in mitochondria.
Mitochondria are dynamic organelles that operate as hubs for numerous metabolic and biosynthetic pathways, and generate the universal energy currency ATP through respiration. This is achieved by four large multimeric electron transfer complexes (complexes I–IV) and the ATP synthase. Respiratory chain complexes I-IV can form higher order assemblies called respirasomes. Recently, a subunit at the interface of complexes I and III was identified (nduf-11), depletion of which led to destabilisation of the supercomplex. This allowed assessment of the importance of respirasome integrity to mitochondrial function, structure and whole animal physiology.
Recent technology is pushing the boundaries of imaging proteins inside cells. The project will allow development of technology and workflows for high-pressure freezing (HPF) of whole nematode worms (C. elegans) followed by cryoFIB lift-out to generate sections (lamellae) for imaging and protein structural determination by cryo-electron tomography. With methodology established, key proteins of interest will be perturbed in C. elegans, for example by knock-down of respiratory chain subunits using RNAi technology. Comparative studies will allow the study of the structure of mitochondria and their proteins in their native mitochondrial network.
This award provides annual funding to cover Home tuition fees and a tax-free stipend. For students who pay Home tuition fees the award will cover the tuition fees in full, plus at least £17,668 per year tax-free stipend. Students who pay international tuition fees are eligible to apply, but should note that the award will only provide payment for part of the international tuition fee and no stipend.
The studentship will be awarded on the basis of merit for 4 years of full-time study to commence on 25th September 2023. The collaboration with the named project partner is subject to contract.
International applicants need to be aware that you will have to cover the cost of your student visa, healthcare surcharge and other costs of moving to the UK to do a PhD.
The conditions for eligibility of home fees status are complex and you will need to seek advice if you have moved to or from the UK (or Republic of Ireland) within the past 3 years or have applied for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
Entry requirements
Applicants for this studentship must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of science or technology.
If English is not your first language you will need to meet the required level (Profile B) as per our guidance at https://www.exeter.ac.uk/pg-research/apply/english/
How to apply
In the application process you will be asked to upload several documents.
• CV
• Letter of application (outlining your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake the project).
• Transcript(s) giving full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained (this should be an interim transcript if you are still studying)
• Names of two referees familiar with your academic work. You are not required to obtain references yourself. We will request references directly from your referees if you are shortlisted.
• If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country you will need to submit evidence of your proficiency in English.
The closing date for applications is midnight on Friday 3rd March 2023.
Interviews will be held virtually in the week commencing 13th March 2023.
If you have any general enquiries about the application process please email [Email Address Removed] or phone 0300 555 60 60 (UK callers) +44 (0) 1392 723044 (International callers)
Project-specific queries should be directed to the main supervisor by emailing Dr Vicki Gold [Email Address Removed].
For further information and to submit an application please visit - Award details | Funding and scholarships for students | University of Exeter
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