Insane in the outer membrane: exploring the dynamics, orientation and conformation of lipopolysaccharide in bacterial membranes through bioorthogonal chemistry and single-molecule biophysics

A PhD position is available in the groups of Dr Martin Fascione and Dr Christoph Baumann to work on exploring the dynamic movements of sugars and lipids in bacterial membranes. The work will feature the development of new chemical biology tools for application in live bacterial cells, and single-molecule fluorescence microscopy methods. The project features extensive interdisciplinary training and would suit a candidate with an interest in both chemical biology and understanding biological processes at the molecular level.
This project will provide excellent specialised training in cutting-edge single-cell bioimaging methods combined with bioorthogonal chemistry, membrane biophysics and glycobiology. Professional skills training will be provided by the White Rose DTP. The student will also improve their professional skills by attending the supervisors’ lab meetings, departmental seminars and research conferences, and participating in outreach activities. The student will join a vibrant cross-disciplinary community of PhD students.

This prestigious BBSRC funded Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) brings together the very best molecular, chemical and cellular bioscience research across the White Rose Consortium of Universities (Leeds, Sheffield and York), which maps on to the research themes of the BBSRC. Students will benefit from a regional PhD training programme that has interdisciplinary collaboration at its core. The aim is to enable students to develop a range of research skills in biological and biochemical areas as well as equip them with core mathematical, data analysis and generic professional skills that are necessary for bioscience research in the coming decades. At York, the White Rose Partnership brings together researchers from the Departments of Biology and Chemistry. https://www.york.ac.uk/biology/postgraduate/dtpbbsrc/

Additionally, all Chemistry research students have access to our innovative Doctoral Training in Chemistry (iDTC): cohort-based training to support the development of scientific, transferable and employability skills. https://www.york.ac.uk/chemistry/postgraduate/idtc/

Panel interviews will take place at the University of York on 6 February 2019.

The Department of Chemistry holds an Athena SWAN Gold Award and is committed to supporting equality and diversity for all staff and students. The Department strives to provide a working environment which allows all staff and students to contribute fully, to flourish, and to excel: https://www.york.ac.uk/chemistry/ed/

This PhD will formally start on 1 October 2019. Induction activities will start on 30 September.