Understanding metal-dissolving enzymes (CLARKEU21DTP1)

The availability of metals such as iron and manganese in the soil is essential for life, but these metals are often trapped in insoluble and inaccessible minerals. To release them microorganisms use them to respire in place of oxygen, however this requires a reaction to occur outside the cell surface. In Geobacter sulfurreducens a dedicated mineral reductase called PgcA is responsible for directly catalysing the reduction of iron oxides, but the process is not understood. This project aims to characterise the properties of this enzyme and understand how biological organisms are able to interact and alter insoluble minerals. The techniques involved include small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and michalis-menten kinetics adapted to analyse insoluble substrates.

This PhD will be supervised by Dr Tom Clarke in collaboration with Prof. Julea Butt. Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Tom Clarke ([Email Address Removed]).

For more information on the supervisor for this project, please go here https://people.uea.ac.uk/tom_clarke

This is a PhD programme.

The start date is 1st October 2021.

The mode of study is full time.

The studentship length is 4 years.


About NRP DTP:

The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NRPDTP) is open to UK and international candidates for entry October 2021 and offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP students undertake a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS) during their study. The placement offers exciting and invaluable work experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team. Students with, or expecting to attain, at least an upper second class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply.

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP programme. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on Thursday 7th January, Friday 8th January and Monday 11th January 2021.

Visit our website for further information on eligibility and how to apply: https://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk/

Our partners value diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background.