Computational design of nanopores for industrial applications

TMCS is an EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training operated by the Universities of Oxford, Bristol and Southampton.
In year one you will be based in Oxford with a cohort of around 12–15 other TMCS students, and will receive in-depth training in fundamental theory, software development, and chemical applications, delivered by academics from all three Universities. Successful completion of the year-one program leads to the award of an Oxford MSc, and progression to the 3-year PhD project detailed below.
The Khalid group is seeking a highly motivated graduate student to work on a collaborative academia/industry project.
Stochastic sensors provide detection of analytes at the single-molecule level. They are highly desirable for industrial applications due to their sensitivity, resolution, relatively low cost and small size. In the simplest case, the sensor element has two states — occupied (by analyte) and unoccupied — and a different output (usually current) is associated with each. As well as revealing the concentration of analyte molecules, stochastic sensors can also distinguish between different types of molecules and proof-of-principle of distinguishing between enantiomers has also been demonstrated. Oxford Nanopore Technologies Ltd (ONT) has used the same principles of stochastic sensing to develop a DNA sequencing device that has revolutionised this field (please https://nanoporetech.com see for details).
In this project we aim to work closely with ONT to develop novel nanopores for the stochastic sensing of a range of analyte molecules, for example biological warfare agents and other toxins. We will use classical molecular dynamics simulations to study a range of pore designs, seeking inspiration from biological pores. The student will learn state-of-the-art simulation methodologies and apply these to understanding the principle of molecular recognition within the confined geometries of nanopores, ultimately he or she will eventually design his or her own pores and we will seek to get these tested experimentally. The project will involve site visits to Oxford Nanopore Technologies; the world leader in exploiting nanopores for next generation sequencing and close collaboration with existing members of the Khalid research group.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Professor Syma Khalid, Email: [Email Address Removed] Tel: +44 (0) 2380 59 4176