Application Deadline: 31st July 2013. This studentship is available to start 1st October 2013.
Supervisory Team: Primary: Dr Charles Brearley
The Project: Inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6, phytic acid) is the most abundant inositol phosphate in Nature. Its synthesis and turnover is controlled by inositol phosphate kinases, diphosphoinositol phosphate kinases and inositol phosphate phosphatases. These enzymes are of great interest in basic science, in medicine and industry. Crystal structures are available for several enzymes of these different classes, including those solved at UEA. An exciting interdisciplinary project arising from our work and involving close collaboration with industry is now available to investigate the biological roles of inositol phosphates and their interconverting enzymes. We are therefore looking for highly-motivated applicants to join an active group developing and exploiting novel assays for academic and commercial use.
Comprehensive training will be given in the enzymology of inositol phosphate interconversion and in the structural biology of enzymes that effect these interconversions. This training will be provided by Dr Charles Brearley (School of Biological Sciences) and Dr Andrew Hemmings (School of Chemistry) in collaboration with our industrial partner.
This project is particularly suitable for students with backgrounds in either biology, biochemistry or biological chemistry who wish to gain training in modern biochemical and bioanalytical methods as well as comprehensive training in methods in structural biology.
This studentship is funded by UK industry and may involve a placement at the laboratories of the industrial partner. The successful candidate can expect to pursue a research career in either biomedical and industrial contexts.
Entry Requirements: A first or upper second class degree in Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology or Biomedical Sciences.
Funding: Funding will cover home/EU fees and an annual stipend (at standard RCUK rate). Overseas students will be required to pay the difference between home/EU and overseas fees.
Making your Application: Please click Apply
To discuss the application process please contact the Admissions Office, email: pgr.enquiries.admiss@uea.ac.uk; telephone +44 (0)1603 591709.