Chlorobithiol: The missing link in sulfur metabolism amongst green sulfur bacteria? (HAMILTONU18DTP)

Green Sulfur Bacteria (GSB), such as Chlorobium tepidum, contribute significantly to the biogeochemical cycling of sulfur and are also a potential source of biomass for biofuels. They are anaerobic, anoxygenic phototrophs that are widely distributed in aquatic environments, where anoxic layers containing reduced sulfur compounds are exposed to light. Unlike plants, they perform anoxygenic photosynthesis by the oxidation of reduced sulfur compounds (sulfide, elemental sulfur and thiosulfate) to feed electrons into their photosynthetic electron transport chain. However little is yet know about how these sulfur nutrients and metabolites are trafficked in and out of the cells and between the dissimilatory sulfur metabolism pathways in these microorganisms.

Using C. tepidum as a model organism, this PhD project aims to unravel the biosynthesis and metabolic roles of a recently discovered GSB thiol cofactor (Chlorobithiol) in sulfur and polysulfide metabolism.

The project offers extensive interdisciplinary training and research experience in analytical biochemistry, microbiology, biophysical chemistry, and enzymology. There will also be an opportunity to spend 3 months working in the laboratory of Dr Tom Hanson (Delaware Biotechnology Institute, University of Delaware, USA) as part of this international collaborative research program.

The project is well suited for a student with a degree in the Biological Sciences or a related discipline.

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 9th, 10th or 11th January 2018.
The Norwich Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NRPDTP) 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

For more information on the supervisor for this project, please go here: https://www.uea.ac.uk/pharmacy/people/profile/c-hamilton
Type of programme: PhD
Start date of project: 1st October 2018
Mode of study: Full time
Length of studentship: 4 years

Students with, or expecting to attain, at least an upper second class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply.