Engineering Yeast for GPCR Expression and Functional Studies
Professor Roslyn Bill (Aston University) and Dr Simon Dowell (GlaxoSmithKline Ltd)
Applications are invited from ambitious, self-motivated candidates to study the biochemistry and biotechnology of GPCR expression in yeast. This opportunity is open to UK and EU students who have at least an Upper Second Class Honours degree in a biological or chemical science or a related subject.
This project involves the engineering of Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains to improve the expression of mammalian proteins as an enabling technology for functional, structural, biopharmaceutical and bio-processing drug discovery applications. The resultant strains will allow target proteins to be simultaneously expressed, assayed for activity and isolated in high yields for further study. Currently, it is not possible to achieve this using a single strain; the project therefore has the potential to facilitate a significant breakthrough in the field.
Aston Universityâs School of Life and Health Sciences (LHS) was ranked 3rd out of 63 UK Higher Education Institutions for research in Allied Health Professions and Studies in the last Research Assessment Exercise (RAE). Additional information about research in the School can be found at http://www1.aston.ac.uk/lhs/research/.
Informal enquiries can be made to Professor Roslyn Bill (E-mail: r.m.bill@aston.ac.uk).
Financial Support:
UK students (including EU nationals who have been continuously resident in the UK for the last 3 years) will receive full tuition fees. For UK Students only – a tax-free stipend will be provided at the current BBSRC rate for academic year 2013-2014 of £13,726 p.a. and an additional CASE contribution of £3,000 p.a.
Overseas students are not eligible for funding. To check further into eligibility, please refer to the BBSRC Website.
Application Requirements:
- Eligible Applicants should hold at least a Bachelor (Hons.) Degree of either First Class or Upper Second Class or hold a Masters Degree (MSc/MRes) in a relevant discipline.
- EU Applicants will need to demonstrate adequate proficiency in English Language skills, with a minimum score of 620 (260 minimum in computer test) in TOEFL or IELTS with minimum marks of 6.5 in each section and an overall band of 7.0.
- The Studentship is funded for 4 years, subject to a satisfactory progress review at the end of the first year, and with submission by 4 years is required. The anticipated Registration date is 1st October 2013.
- Enquiries should be addressed to Professor Roslyn Bill (E-mail: r.m.bill@aston.ac.uk; Telephone: 021 204 4274).
- To apply please complete the on-line application form quoting the Reference: R130082 on all applications.
The Closing Date for applications is: Monday, 29th April 2013.