BBSRC NLD Doctoral Training Partnership: Why do bacteria phosphorylate their cytoskeleton?

Are you interested in the bacterial cytoskeleton and advanced microscopy?

Bacterial cell division is a key antibiotic target. A central player in cell division is the cytoskeletal protein FtsZ (an ancestral homolog of tubulin), which forms short motile filaments that are believed to direct the inward synthesis of the bacterial cell wall. Many bacteria—including the devastating global pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis—phosphorylate FtsZ at several specific sites that suggest important regulatory functions, but the effects of these modifications are unknown.

In this PhD project, you will use cutting-edge microscopy to investigate how bacterial cells regulate cell division by modifying their cytoskeleton. Specifically, you will use both fluorescence and electron microscopy to image FtsZ in the model bacterium Corynebacterium glutamicum—a non-pathogenic relative of M. tuberculosis widely used in biotechnology—including using a powerful new microscopy method we’ve developed called VerCINI (Vertical Cell Illumination by Nanostructured Immobilisation) where bacterial cells stand vertically inside bacteria-shaped holes.

You will be based in the Centre for Bacterial Cell Biology, a world-class research centre specialized in studying bacteria. In this collegiate environment, you will be surrounded by other students and staff who share an interest in understanding the biology of bacteria at a fundamental level. You will develop solid hands-on knowledge of molecular biology, biochemistry, and genetics techniques. Moreover, you will gain ample skills in both fluorescence and electron microscopy, including the increasingly valuable skills of image processing and analysis.

HOW TO APPLY:

Applications should be made by emailing bbsrcdtp@liverpool.ac.uk with:

• a CV (including contact details of at least two academic (or other relevant) referees);
• a covering letter – clearly stating your first-choice project, and optionally 2nd ranked project, as well as including whatever additional information you feel is pertinent to your application; you may wish to indicate, for example, why you are particularly interested in the selected project(s) and at the selected University;
• copies of your relevant undergraduate degree transcripts and certificates;
• a copy of your passport (photo page).

A GUIDE TO THE FORMAT REQUIRED FOR THE APPLICATION DOCUMENTS IS AVAILABLE AT https://www.nld-dtp.org.uk/how-apply. Applications not meeting these criteria may be rejected.

In addition to the above items, please email a completed copy of the Additional Details Form (as a Word document) to bbsrcdtp@liverpool.ac.uk. A blank copy of this form can be found at: https://www.nld-dtp.org.uk/how-apply.

Informal enquiries may be made to kevin.whitley@newcastle.ac.uk 

The deadline for all applications is 12noon on Monday 22nd July 2024.

 

Part-Time Study Options

All NLD DTP PhDs are available as part time or full time, with part time being a minimum of 50% of full time. Please discuss potential part time arrangements with the primary supervisor before applying to the programme.

Project CASE Status

This project is not a CASE project. While individual applicant quality is our overriding criterion for selection, the NLD DTP has a commitment to fund 8 CASE projects per year – as such, CASE projects may be favoured in shortlisting applicants when candidates are otherwise deemed to be equal or a consensus on student quality cannot be reached.