Single-molecule microscopy of bacterial DNA organization using cell-free systems

Imagine: Imaging Life (http://www.imagine-imaginglife.com/) is part of a long term strategic initiative at the University of Sheffield (2022 Futures) that provides a platform for ambitious research growth in areas that the University of Sheffield is recognised for internationally (e.g. development of advanced imaging techniques and their biological application). This scholarship, as part of the Global Strategic Alliance programme, will position the student in a thriving research environment that will provide international opportunities for training and career development. The studentship will be held in the newly established laboratory of Dr Ling Chin Hwang in the Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology.

We are looking for an ambitious and self-motivated student who wants to work at the interface of biology, chemistry and physics. Our multidisciplinary laboratory combines single-molecule fluorescence imaging using a custom-built total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscope, biochemical and biophysical approaches. The aim of this project is to gain mechanistic understanding of bacterial DNA organization. Most bacteria use the ParABS system to segregate replicated chromosomes to daughter cells during cell division. The Par proteins display spatiotemporal patterns in bacterial cells but little is known about how these patterns partition chromosomes. We will use cutting-edge technologies and purified components from Vibrio cholerae to reconstitute cell-free systems and directly observe molecular spatial organization with single-molecule microscopy (see Hwang et al., EMBO J. 2013, 32:1238-49). The PhD student will have the opportunity to learn biochemical, molecular biology and biophysical techniques including single-molecule fluorescence microscopy and microfluidics. The student will join a young and dynamic team, working closely with the PI and lab members across disciplines.

Please contact Dr Ling Chin Hwang ([Email Address Removed]) for more information and see http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/mbb/staff/lingchinhwang

Award Details
• Full tuition fees (UK, EU or International).
• An annual, tax-free maintenance stipend at the standard RCUK rate.
• A Research Training Support Grant to cover international travel, secondments and exchanges.
These scholarships fund up to 3.5 years full-time study, subject to satisfactory progress.

Eligibility
• You should have, or expect to achieve, a first or upper second class UK honours degree/Masters or equivalent. This should be in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Biology or another relevant field.
• Anticipated start date October 2017.
• Awards are open to UK, EU and international applicants.

How to apply
Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis - applications are assessed on the basis of academic success and qualifications, experience, research background and a clear and well-articulated reason for being considered.

https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/apply/applying