About the Project
Posted January 2019
A PhD position is available to start in October 2019 for an outstanding candidate to work under the supervision of Dr Matthias Baud in the School of Chemistry at the University of Southampton. This project will be at the interface of the chemical and biological sciences, and will combine state-of-the-art synthetic organic chemistry with biochemical, analytical and biophysical methods. The successful candidate will focus on the development of novel biocompatible reagents and methodologies for the controlled chemical modification of proteins, and exploit these reagents to study the properties and function of key protein post-translational modifications (PTMs) using biochemical/biophysical assays. We are particularly interested in a range of PTMs resulting from cellular oxidative stress, which are currently impossible to study using conventional methodologies. On the longer term, the new reagents and methods will unlock exciting opportunities for studying the so far elusive function of these PTMs in human biology, with potential implications in drug discovery and the treatment of diseases resulting from unregulated cellular redox events. Relevant literature can be found below:
Chem. Rev. 2015, 115, 2174-2195
Chem. Rev. 2013, 113, 4633-4679
Chem. Soc. Rev. 2018, 47, 231-268
J. Chem. Inf. Model. 2017, 57, 3124-3137
The successful candidate will join the Baud group in the modern synthetic chemistry laboratories in the School of Chemistry at the University of Southampton, which benefits from excellent MS, NMR and X-ray facilities, each supported by dedicated specialist staff. Excellent knowledge and experimental skills in synthetic organic chemistry will be essential, as this will constitute a key part of the project. The multidisciplinary nature of this project will also give the opportunity to the student to acquire knowledge and skills in other relevant disciplines both in our group and with our collaborators. Those include biophysical techniques (e.g. DSF, NMR, ITC, FP, SPR, MST), biochemistry (e.g. protein expression/purification), and structural techniques (e.g. computational modelling, X-ray crystallography). The candidate will also have opportunities to develop supervisory, written and oral communication skills, excellent preparation for a career in academia or industry.
Funding Notes
The project is funded for 3 years and welcomes applicants from the UK and EU who have or expect to obtain at least an upper second class degree in organic chemistry or allied subjects/relevant disciplines. Funding will cover fees and a stipend at current research council rates (predicted 201920 rates are £15,009)
Due to funding restrictions this position is only open to UK students and EU students who meet the RCUK eligibility criteria
References
Applications for a PhD in Chemistry should be submitted online at:
https://studentrecords.soton.ac.uk/BNNRPROD/bzsksrch.P_Search
Click on the Research radio button, select 2019-20 in the academic year field and enter Chemistry in the search text field. Click ‘search for programme’. Select PhD Chemistry (Full Time).
Please place Matthias Baud in the field for proposed supervisor/project
General enquiries should be made to m.baud@soton.ac.uk. Any queries on the application process should be made to feps-pgr-apply@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.
The University of Southampton and the School of Chemistry both hold Athena SWAN Silver Awards, reflecting their commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and particularly to gender equality.
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