First Stage Researcher : Understanding Streptomyces cell division to improve antibiotic production, University of East Anglia, UK

ORGANISATION/COMPANY: University of East Anglia
RESEARCH FIELD: Biological sciences
RESEARCHER PROFILE; First Stage Researcher (R1)
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 22/11/2021 23:00 – Europe/London
LOCATION: United Kingdom › Norwich
OFFER STARTING DATE: 01/10/2022

Offer description

Every cell must divide to grow and to propagate. While most bacteria simply split in half, the decision when and where to divide is more complex in multicellular bacteria like the antibiotic producing soil bacteria Streptomyces. In fact, Streptomyces have two functionally distinct modes of cell division that lead to the formation of connected compartments and individual spores, which can be dispersed into the environment. We have recently identified a key determinant of Streptomyces cell division (https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.06.12.448176v1). We now wish to further expand our understanding of how Streptomyces cell division and the formation of division septa.

The aims of the proposed project are: 1) To identify and characterise the components and the structure of division septa that are required for compartmentalised growth of Streptomyces; and 2) To investigate how the formation of these septa contributes to the overall fitness of the organism and the ability to produce antibiotics.

We are looking for an enthusiastic student who is interested in bacterial cell biology and keen to develop skills in molecular microbiology, biochemistry, fluorescence microscopy and metabolomics.

The successful candidate will be based in the laboratory of Dr Susan Schlimpert in the Department for Molecular Microbiology at the John Innes Centre, a world-leading institute for plant and Streptomyces research. The student will have access to cutting-edge research facilities for bacterial genetics, live cell imaging, protein biochemistry, metabolomics platform and a vibrant graduate student community and a stimulating research environment.

Through the project and the range of training opportunities available at the institute the student will obtain excellent technical and transferable skills that are highly relevant for working in academia or industry

Additional Information

The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NRPDTP) is open to UK and international candidates for entry October 2022 and offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP students undertake a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS) during their study.

The placement offers exciting and invaluable work experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team. Students with, or expecting to attain, at least an upper second class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply.

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP programme. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on Tuesday 25th January, Wednesday 26th January and Thursday 27th January 2022.

Visit our website for further information on eligibility and how to apply: https://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk/

Our partners value diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background.

Funding

This project is awarded with a 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NRPDTP) PhD studentship. The studentship includes payment of tuition fees (directly to the University), a stipend for each year of the studentship (2021/2 stipend rate: £15,609), and a Research Training Support Grant for each year of the studentship of £5,000 p.a.

Requirements

At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1 or UK equivalence Master’s degree. English Language requirement (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category).

Where to send your application

COMPANY: University of East Anglia
https://www.uea.ac.uk/apply/postgraduate/research

Contact information

ORGANISATION/COMPANY: University of East Anglia
DEPARTMENT: John Innes Centre / Biological Sciences
ORGANISATION TYPE: Higher Education Institute
https://www.uea.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research-degrees/phds-and-studentships
E-MAIL: susan.schlimpert@jic.ac.uk
COUNTRY: United Kingdom
CITY: Norwich
POSTAL CODE: NR4 7TJ
STREET: University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich