Dr T Le
No more applications being accepted
Competition Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
Faithful chromosome segregation is essential in all domains of life if daughter cells are to inherit a full copy of the genetic information. ParB, a DNA-binding protein, is crucial for chromosome segregation in two-thirds of all bacterial species. In this project, the student will employ ParB from Caulobacter crescentus as a model to reconstruct the evolutionary history of the DNA-binding specificity of ParB, to ultimately understand the DNA-binding specificity and the evolvability of these proteins. Beyond chromosome segregation, DNA-binding proteins play transcriptional regulatory roles in the development, homeostasis, and adaptation of living organisms to changing environments (antibiotics stress, starvation etc.). Hundreds of DNA-binding proteins are able to regulate and coordinate cellular events due to their distinct specificities for their cognate DNA-binding sites. Yet little is known about the mechanisms underlying the evolution to a new binding specificity and the evolvability of DNA-binding proteins from their ancestors. This study will provide critical new insights into the evolution of ParB that coordinates chromosome organization and segregation. Furthermore, the gained knowledge will likely facilitate the effort of re-engineering ParB or transcriptional factors with new DNA-binding specificity for synthetic biology.
This multidisciplinary project will be based in the lab of Dr. Le at the John Innes Centre. Skills will be developed in enzymology, bacterial genetics, cutting-edge deep sequencing techniques, protein purification and engineering, and bioinformatics. Applicants should have (or be about to receive) an honors degree in biochemistry or microbiology (or a related discipline). Pre-application enquiries are welcomed.
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 8th, 9th or 10th January 2019.
The NRP DTP 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
Funding Notes
For funding eligibility guidance, please visit our website: http://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk/how-to-apply/funding-and-eligibility. Full Studentships cover a stipend (UKRI rate: £14,777pa – 2018/9), research costs and tuition fees at UK/EU rate and are available to UK and EU students who meet the UK residency requirements.
Students from EU countries who do not meet the UK residency requirements may be eligible for a fees-only award. Students in receipt of a fees-only award will be eligible for a maintenance stipend awarded by the NRPDTP Bioscience Doctoral Scholarships. To be eligible students must meet the EU residency requirements.
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