PhD Research Project: Cryo-EM characterization of the bacterial flagellum

Imagine: Imaging Life is part of a long term strategic initiative at the University of Sheffield (2022 Futures) that provides a platform for ambitious research growth in areas that the University of Sheffield is recognised for internationally (e.g. advanced imaging techniques and their biological application). This scholarship, as part of the Global Strategic Alliance programme, will position the student in a thriving research environment that will provide international opportunities for training and career development. The studentship will be held in the newly established laboratory of Dr Julien Bergeron in the Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology.

Project description: The bacterial flagellum is a fascinating molecular motor, present at the surface of many pathogenic bacteria (E. coli, Salmonella, Pseudomonas, Helicobacter, Vibrio, Campylobacter etc…). Its primary function is to allow bacterial motility, through the rotation of a filamentous structure protruding away from the bacterial surface, but it is also involved in host adhesion and biofilm formation in many disease-causing bacteria. Currently we have only a low-resolution view for most parts of the flagellum.

This project consists in using recent advances in single-particle cryo-Electron Microscopy to get structural details of the flagellum at near atomic resolution. We will initially focus on the flagellum tip, a region that is directly involved in adhesion to mammalian cells and therefore a primary antibiotic target. However, there are many other aspects that could be looked into, such as the membrane-embedded basal body and the rotation machinery.

Award Details

• Full tuition fees (UK, EU or Overseas).
• An annual, tax-free maintenance stipend at the standard RCUK rate (2016/17 is £14,296).
• A Research Training Support Grant to cover international travel, secondments and exchanges.
These scholarships fund up to 3.5 years full-time study, subject to satisfactory progress.

Eligibility

• You should have, or expect to achieve, a first or upper second class UK honours degree or equivalent. This should be in a relevant area (Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Microbiology).
• Anticipated start date October 2017
• Awards are open to UK, EU and international applicants.

How to apply

Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis - applications are assessed on the basis of academic success and qualifications, experience, research background and a clear and well-articulated reason for being considered. The application process is as follows:

A) Complete the application form (https://goo.gl/forms/A7LBWndpcha6upUJ2)
B) Email the following documents listed below as a single pdf file to PGRfutures@sheffield.ac.uk. In the subject box, please indicate ‘YOUR SURNAME – Imagine - JB’

1. C.V.
2. Degree transcripts
3. Supporting statement
4. Reference letters from two referees (these may be sent directly from your referees)
5. English Language certification (if applicable)

For more information about Imagine: Imaging Life, see http://www.imagine-imaginglife.com/.