Bioprospecting light back to life: Isolation and biochemical characterisation of bioluminescent enzymes from preserved coleopteran museum samples

We seek a motivated and dedicated PhD student for a KESSII studentship in partnership with the Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales. The project is entitled ’Bioprospecting light back to life: Isolation and biochemical characterisation of bioluminescent enzymes from preserved coleopteran museum samples’ and will involve sampling of DNA from preserved beetle samples from the museum. The ultimate aim is to bioprospect for novel bioluminescent enzyme sequences leading to the identification of useful properties as well as protein structural data. The student will be trained in all aspects of proper sample care, maintenance and extraction procedures and will utilise our newly formed sequencing, protein and bioimaging research hubs at Cardiff University.