The University of Manchester -School of Chemistry
'Seeking Inspiration from Nature’s Photoswitches: Biophysical Studies with UVR8'
Supervisor: Dr Alex Jones
Anticipated start date for project: January 2014
Start date January 2014, although applications are also welcome for a September 2014 start
Developing renewable means by which to harness the power of the sun is key to a sustainable future. One strategy to overcome our reliance on non-renewable energy sources is to turn towards Nature to learn how it exploits light to effect useful change. A PhD position is available in the School of Chemistry to investigate the photophysical and photochemical mechanism of the plant photoreceptor protein, UVR8. The outcomes of this project will inform the development of a new generation of molecular photoswitch based on the UVR8 mechanism, and ultimately new light responsive materials.
UVR8 uniquely employs a cluster of tryptophan residues as chromophore. On absorbing UVB light, cation-π interactions at the interface of the UVR8 homodimer are broken, thus causing dissociation. However, little is known about the precise photophysical and photochemical mechanism and how this results in dimer dissociation. Using mainly time-resolved laser-based methods housed in the Photon Science Institute (PSI) the successful candidate will characterise the nature, environment and transient photoresponse of the UVR8 chromophore. This will require growth and purification of large quantities of high quality, recombinant protein at the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (MIB). Transient fluorescence and absorption data will be acquired across timescales (femtoseconds-seconds) using spectral and single wavelength detection in the UV-visible and infrared. The student will then analyse the data using global analysis and kinetic fitting. Such an approach will allow us to relate the photochemistry of the UVR8 chromophore to the ultimate dissociation of the protein.
The successful applicant will be highly motivated, with excellent organisation and communication skills, and be able to work with initiative within a multidisciplinary group. Some experience in the following areas is desirable: preparation and handling of recombinant proteins; biophysical spectroscopy; laser spectroscopy; transient data analysis.
Developing renewable means by which to harness the power of the sun is key to a sustainable future. One strategy to overcome our reliance on non-renewable energy sources is to turn towards Nature to learn how it exploits light to effect useful change. A PhD position is available in the School of Chemistry to investigate the photophysical and photochemical mechanism of the plant photoreceptor protein, UVR8. The outcomes of this project will inform the development of a new generation of molecular photoswitch based on the UVR8 mechanism, and ultimately new light responsive materials.
UVR8 uniquely employs a cluster of tryptophan residues as chromophore. On absorbing UVB light, cation-π interactions at the interface of the UVR8 homodimer are broken, thus causing dissociation. However, little is known about the precise photophysical and photochemical mechanism and how this results in dimer dissociation. Using mainly time-resolved laser-based methods housed in the Photon Science Institute (PSI) the successful candidate will characterise the nature, environment and transient photoresponse of the UVR8 chromophore. This will require growth and purification of large quantities of high quality, recombinant protein at the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (MIB). Transient fluorescence and absorption data will be acquired across timescales (femtoseconds-seconds) using spectral and single wavelength detection in the UV-visible and infrared. The student will then analyse the data using global analysis and kinetic fitting. Such an approach will allow us to relate the photochemistry of the UVR8 chromophore to the ultimate dissociation of the protein.
The successful applicant will be highly motivated, with excellent organisation and communication skills, and be able to work with initiative within a multidisciplinary group. Some experience in the following areas is desirable: preparation and handling of recombinant proteins; biophysical spectroscopy; laser spectroscopy; transient data analysis.
Applicants should have, or expect to receive, a degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry or closely related subject awarded at 2:1 or above.
The EPSRC Doctoral Training Grant (DTG) is for 42 months with a stipend starting at £13,726 for 2013/14. For full eligibility requirements see: http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/skills/students/help/Pages/eligibility.aspx
Please contact Dr Jones by e-mail and include a cover letter, CV and names and addresses of two referees.
You can also submit an online application by clicking on the Apply button below. Further information can found at http://www.manchester.ac.uk/postgraduate/howtoapply/
