Dr I Tews, Dr G Evans
No more applications being accepted
Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
PhD Studentship based jointly at the University of Southampton and Diamond Light Source Ltd.
Project Outline:
The PhD project will study two biological systems, the large multi-subunit PLP-synthase complex, and metal binding substrate binding domains from ABC transporters of marine bacteria. Both proteins give well-ordered crystals from a large variety of conditions. PLP synthase allows data collection to 2 Å, which is exceptional for an 0.4 MDa sized complex, and is investigated for its well-coordinated catalytic cycle of more than 12 individual reactions. You will study key intermediates to PLP formation in the crystal. The ABC transporter subunits are studied for the special ability of marine bacteria that can live and grow in extremely nutrient-depleted habitats. The substrate binding domains give ultra-high resolution crystals, diffracting to 1.1 Å and are studied for their exquisite beam sensitivity of their metal centres.
Both crystal systems differ in their diffraction power, and are well suited to test experimental requirements for modern Synchrotron radiations sources. The successful candidate will explore the two systems on the variable microfocus beamlines VMXm at Diamond. The challenge is development of nano-crystallography techniques, where smaller crystals can be studied by very bright x-ray sources. A specific experiment is the measurement of the photon escape: photoelectrons travelling through protein crystals leave a path of damage in their wake, and it has been postulated that damage suffered by a crystal is reduced in nano-crystalline samples, due to escape of photoelectrons from the crystal.
Workplace:
At the University of Southampton, work will be carried out at the Institute for Life Sciences. We provide an excellent environment for protein purification and access to the Macromolecular Crystallisation Facility and to X-ray Diffraction through the Southampton Diffraction Centre, as well as access to the National Oceanography centre through collaboration. Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national synchrotron and a leading scientific facility of its type in the world. Located on the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in South Oxfordshire, it hosts research facilities supporting cutting edge research in all fields of science.
Funding Notes
The project is funded for 4 years and welcomes applicants from the UK and EU who have or expect to obtain at least an upper second class degree in Biological Sciences or allied subjects. Funding will cover UK/EU tuition fees, an enhanced stipend (£16,300 per year, increasing each year in line with the RCUK average) and funds towards travel between sites and conference attendance.
Due to funding restrictions this position is only open to UK/EU applicants.
Interviews will be held early May 2017.
References
Applications for an MPhil/PhD in Biological Sciences should be submitted online at:
https://studentrecords.soton.ac.uk/BNNRPROD/bzsksrch.P_Login?pos=4973&majr=4973&term=201718 Please place Dr Tews’ name in the field for proposed supervisor.
General enquiries may be address to Dr Ivo Tews (ivo.tews@soton.ac.uk) or Dr Gwyndaf Evans (gwyndaf.evans@diamond.ac.uk). Any queries on the application process should be made to pgafnes@soton.ac.uk
Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, and the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified. This PhD combines biochemistry, crystallography and computing skills for advanced data analysis. As this is a joint studentship, you will need to be willing to be based for the final 2-years of the studentship in Oxfordshire at Diamond Light Source Ltd.
The University of Southampton and Biological Sciences both hold an Athena Swan Silver & Bronze Award, respectively, demonstrating their commitment to provide equal opportunities and to advance the representation of women in STEM/M subjects: science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine. Due consideration will be given to applicants who have taken a career break. University benefits include onsite childcare facilities, state-of-the-art on-campus sports, arts and culture facilities, a full programme of events and a range of staff discounts.
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