Structural analysis of a novel cytolytic fungal peptide toxin by mass spectrometry

Candida albicans is the major source of fungal infections in humans. Candidiasis is responsible for ~200,000 deaths annually making it more deadly than the majority of bacterial infections. The mucosal damage brought about by C. albicans has recently been shown to originate from a novel pore forming toxic peptide but the underlying molecular mechanism of toxicity is unknown. [1]
This Graduate Teaching Scholarship is open to suitable candidates who will develop and apply a range of cutting-edge mass spectrometry (MS) based approaches to understand the assembly and dynamics of the novel toxic peptide candidalysin. The student will join the group of Dr Antoni Borysik at the Department of Chemistry (KCL) but will be expected to form and maintain vital links with a large interdisciplinary team including Prof Julian Naglik (KCL) and Dr Ernesto Cota (ICL). The ideal candidate will have a strong background in Chemistry and/or Biophysics, a proficiency in Computational Chemistry or Structural Biology would be an advantage. No previous experience in MS is required and the successful candidate will receive expert training in a range of MS methods including native MS, ion-mobility MS and hydrogen-deuterium exchange MS. These MS techniques provide unique and complimentary information on the size, shape and dynamics of proteins. [2-4] The student will be expected to develop these MS approaches for the biophysical characterisation of membrane embedded peptide assemblies with a view to understanding the molecular basis of their toxicity.

Student profile:
Ideally suited for chemistry student with a good background in biophysics/protein chemistry. Experience in computational chemistry would be an advantage.

Funding:
The salary for this 4-year programme will be paid at Grade 5 - £16,553 per annum, split into two parts: a stipend and a salary. Eligibility for this scholarship is limited to UK/EU students only.

In return for the stipend and salary award you will be expected to undertake an average of six hours of teaching-related activity per week throughout the year duration of your PhD studies, as well as undertaking various training and development opportunities and maintain satisfactory progress in your research studies. Stipends are usually paid for up to four years, to allow you adequate time for your PhD studies alongside your teaching duties, though you may complete your PhD in fewer than four years if you wish to.
Training and mentoring in teaching and learning in higher education will be provided, and the successful candidate will be required to undertake the Faculty’s Preparing to Teach course which is taught in liaison with the King’s Learning Institute. There is also the opportunity to complete the Teaching Recognition at King’s programme (TRaK) which is the King’s route to achieve HEA professional recognition.

The post holder will need to register as a PhD student within their chosen Department for the period of employment. You should meet the standard PhD entry requirements and have an interest in degree-level teaching. You should have a good degree in the chosen area, or other disciplines relevant to the Department’s research and teaching activities.