Functional characterisation of mid-SUN proteins in plants

Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
Department of Biological and Medical Sciences

This is a competitive 3 year Full Time PhD project


Research project title - Functional characterisation of mid-SUN proteins in plants


Eligibility: Only open to UK/EU applicants (who must be permanently resident in UK/EU)


Closing date: 26th May 2017 00.00 GMT (midnight UK time)

Start date: 18th September 2017


Bursary: £14553 pa for academic year 2017/18 & fees


Main supervisor Dr Katja Graumann


Requirements

Applicants should be of the highest quality and capable of submitting a PhD thesis within 3 years. Applicants should have a first class or upper second class (minimum 2.1) honours degree from a Higher Education Institution in the UK or an acceptable equivalent qualification.

EU Applicants additional requirement for English language
A valid IELTS Academic test certificate minimum score level 6 in each of the four areas of reading, writing, listening and speaking with overall minimum score 7.0 issued since 23rd April 2015 by an approved test centre.

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/491093/2016-01-11_-Approved_Secure_English_Language_Tests_and_Test_Centres_-_Website.pdf

Exceptionally we are prepared to consider alternative acceptable evidence of English Language ability.



Description of project:

This project is an exciting opportunity for someone with an interest in plant cell biology. Research in my laboratory is focussed on the composition and function of the nucleo-cytoskeletal bridging complexes that span the nuclear envelope. One key component of these complexes are Sad1/UNC84 (SUN) proteins, which face the nuclear interior and interact with chromatin and nucleoskeletal components. Our initial investigations of the plant mid-SUN proteins have raised several questions and this project is a great opportunity to make an impact in this field. Specifically, this project will lead to a first in-depth characterisation of the structure and function of mid-SUN proteins in any kingdom as well as a first functional characterisation of nuclear-envelope – chromatin interactions in plants at the molecular level, including genes and how their expression is affected by nuclear envelope components. Methods employed will include high resolution live cell confocal imaging, chromatin immunoprecipitation, molecular and biochemical methods.


For further information, please contact Dr Katja Graumann e-mail address [Email Address Removed]


How to apply:


Download and complete the application from:

http://www.hls.brookes.ac.uk/images/research/phd-studentship-application-form-jan-14.doc

With application enclose a CV and scanned copy of your degree certificates and transcripts plus two signed academic references. Additionally if appropriate an IELTS Academic test certificate from an approved test centre.

Applications only accepted by e-mail [Email Address Removed]


PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU MUST NOT SUBMIT ANY APPLICATION,CV or QUERIES VIA FINDAPHD