Designed Protein and Lipid Nanostructures

Advances in protein design are beginning to allow us to build novel protein nanostructures with unique functions. These nanomachines include programmable artificial cages that can be endowed with dynamic capabilities such as the ability to open and close under specific conditions of interest. This ability has potential in smart therapeutics and as components of more complex molecular networks. In this PhD you will design and build novel artificial protein cages that interface with lipid bilayers to produce novel hybrid structures.

What Will You Do?

• Innovate and Create: Design and construct novel artificial protein cages that interface with lipid bilayers, forming new hybrid structures.
• Analyse and Understand: You will analysis and testing of your hybrid designs to unravel their structure and modulate their innovative capabilities using a range of biochemical, biophysical and structural techniques.
• Build the Future: Your work is expected to lay the foundation for future breakthroughs in new therapeutics and medical nanomachines.

What Will You Gain?

• Expertise in Nanotechnology: You will learn to design and manipulate protein and lipid nanostructures.
• Research and Development Skills: Develop a robust skill set in both theoretical and practical aspects of nanotechnology, preparing you for a career in cutting-edge research.
• Real-World Impact: Contribute to pioneering research with the chance ot make fundamental contributions to and a difference in the world of tomorrow.
• Collaborative Opportunities: Work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary and stimulating environment, collaborating with leading experts in the field to drive innovation.

You will work at the newly established Centre for Programmable Biological Matter (CPBM) at Durham University, a large, well-funded, and ambitious lab that aims to break new ground in engineering biology and synthetic structural biology. The lab is driven by the question, "What if we can make artificial biological nanomachines?" Together, we aim to be world-leading in the novelty and capabilities of our designs, and make a major contribution to the field, which is expected to be the foundation for a Fifth Industrial Revolution.

·     Prospective candidates will be judged according to how well they meet the following criteria:

·     at least a UK 2:1 honours degree classification (or equivalent) in a relevant subject

·     English language proficiency to the required standard (English Language Requirements - Durham University)

·     Strong evidence of problem solving

·     2 satisfactory academic references

Funding

·     The studentship is open for home and overseas students

·     For the eligible and successful applicant, the funding covers a tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate (is £18,622 for 2023/24) and the full tuition fees.

·     To apply for this studentship, applicants should submit their application using the online system: https://studyatdurham.microsoftcrmportals.com/en-US/. Please select PhD in Biological Sciences: Course Code C1A001.

·     Applications will be processed as they are received until the position is filled.

·     For informal discussion or further on the position, interested candidates should contact Prof. Jonathan Heddle ([Email Address Removed]) before submitting their application.