Dr J Balk
No more applications being accepted
Competition Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
This PhD project will address the biosynthesis of ancient metal cofactors called iron-sulfur clusters. It is widely believed that iron and sulfur were instrumental to the origin of life, acting as the first catalysts in the primordial soup. Virtually all life forms have incorporated iron-sulfur (Fe-S) clusters into their cells, now as cofactors in enzymes that catalyze electron transfer, chemical transformations or in regulatory proteins. In addition, cells have evolved biochemical pathways to assemble Fe-S clusters, a process that needs to be tightly choreographed to avoid toxicity of free iron or free sulfur. Mutations in assembly pathway proteins lead to mitochondrial diseases for which there is currently no cure or therapy. To better understand the function of several proteins in this pathway, a biochemical approach will be undertaken. The project is supervised by Dr Janneke Balk and Prof Nick Le Brun, two experts in metal proteins. The student will learn molecular cloning, protein expression and purification, working in an anaerobic environment, native mass spectrometry and enzyme measurements. The project is enhanced by collaborations with industry and with clinicians interested in mitochondrial diseases.
This project has been shortlisted for funding by the Norwich Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NRPDTP). Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed as part of the studentship competition. Candidates will be interviewed on either the 8th, 9th or 10th January 2019.
The NRP DTP offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year 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 (PIPS) during their study. The internship 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.
For further information and to apply, please visit our website: www.biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk
Funding Notes
For funding eligibility guidance, please visit our website: http://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk/how-to-apply/funding-and-eligibility. Full Studentships cover a stipend (UKRI rate: £14,777pa – 2018/9), research costs and tuition fees at UK/EU rate and are available to UK and EU students who meet the UK residency requirements.
Students from EU countries who do not meet the UK residency requirements may be eligible for a fees-only award. Students in receipt of a fees-only award will be eligible for a maintenance stipend awarded by the NRPDTP Bioscience Doctoral Scholarships. To be eligible students must meet the EU residency requirements.