Add

MRes/PhD Studentship - The Biosynthesis of the Cell Wall of Bacillus Subtilis - Newcastle University - Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences

BBSRC MRes/PhD Studentship - The Biosynthesis of the Cell Wall of Bacillus Subtilis - Newcastle University - Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences.

The aim of this project is to further our knowledge of the biochemical steps involved in the biosynthesis of the cell wall in Bacillus subtilis, a Gram positive model organism. Ultimately, we seek to determine atomic level structures, using X-ray crystallography, of key proteins involved in cell wall synthesis, and those that link the cell wall to cell division and outgrowth.

The biogenesis of the cell wall in B. subtilis is linked to the determination of cell shape, and in cell growth and division. The cell wall is required for cell integrity and as a barrier against external chemical insult and to restrain the significant turgor pressure of the cell. These biological processes are of fundamental importance to this organism, and we seek to better understand these aspects of bacterial cellular physiology. Although B. subtilis is generally recognised as safe to humans, chemical components of the cell wall are linked to pathogenicity in, for example, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus suis. It is anticipated that some of the key proteins are integral membrane proteins, and the link between growth and division implies that macromolecular protein complexes, and their controlled assembly and disassembly, underpin cell wall biosynthesis, and so, whenever possible, we will consider the use of electron microscopy as a tool to obtain high resolution structural data.

Project start date: September 2010

Eligibility and Value of the Award
Depending on how you meet the BBSRC’s eligibility criteria, you may be entitled to a full or a partial award. A full award covers tuition fees and an annual stipend of £13,290 (2009/10). A partial award covers fees only.

Person Specification
You should have, or expect to achieve, a minimum of an upper-second-class Honours degree, or equivalent, in biochemistry or a related subject.

How to Apply
You must complete the University's postgraduate application form. Select "Master of Research/Doctor of Philosophy (Medical Sciences) – Cell and Molecular Biosciences" as the programme of study. Only mandatory fields need to be completed (no personal statement required) but you must attach a copy of your CV and a covering letter, quoting the title of the studentship and reference number CMB71.

Closing date: prompt application is advised as this post is only available until a suitable candidate is appointed.