PhD in Physical Chemistry: modelling fungal cell membranes in the laboratory

We have a vacancy for a PhD student working in the area of physical chemistry.

Microorganisms are found on every continent, even in some of the most inhospitable environments on Earth. Some “extremophile” fungi are even found in the ice at the bottom of glaciers, with adaptations that allow them to thrive in such difficult conditions.

Extremophile fungi have unusual cell membranes and cytosol (fluid inside cells) compared to more commonplace fungi, but how these adaptations combine to allow them to resist extreme environmental stresses are not fully understood. In a changing climate such understanding is crucial, both to protect these unique species and to identify species that might one day be at risk.

The Langmuir-Blodgett technique is a highly sensitive experimental method that detects small changes in “surface pressure” in films of molecules at the water surface. These changes in surface pressure can be related to the structure of the surface film. Lipid monolayers at the air-water interface often serve as a useful model for real cell membranes, allowing for interactions between the membrane and solutes to be studied in isolation and under highly controlled conditions

In this project the student will construct model fungal cell membranes to understand how their properties change under external stress. By using Brewster Angle Microscopy and Langmuir-Blodgett measurements, we will identify how both the film stiffness and 2D structure changes with temperature, for different cytosolic solutes and lipid composition. The knowledge gained from this project will enable us to identify how different lipids within fungal membranes alter the membrane behaviour. In addition to LB measurements, a more detailed picture of the film structure can also be obtained from reflectivity. This project will therefore use state-of-the-art neutron and X-ray methods alongside lab-based monolayer measurements to understand these unique microorganisms.

There will be opportunities to write proposals for instrument time at large scattering facilities (Diamond, ISIS etc.) and to take part in experiments that will contribute directly or indirectly to the PhD project.

Informal enquiries are welcome: please contact Dr James Hallett (j.e.hallett@reading.ac.uk) directly and include a CV.

https://www.reading.ac.uk/chemistry/staff/dr-james-hallett

Eligibility:

• Applicants should have a good bachelor’s degree (minimum of a UK Upper Second (2:1) or equivalent)/master’s degree in Chemistry, Physics or a strongly-related discipline.
• International applicants will also need to meet the University’s English Language requirements. We offer pre-sessional English courses that can help with meeting these requirements.

How to apply:

Submit an application for a PhD in Chemistry via our online application system.

Further information:

https://www.reading.ac.uk/chemistry/phd

Enquiries:

Dr. James Hallett, email: j.e.hallett@reading.ac.uk

Funding Notes

Applications are encouraged from highly motivated candidates who have, or expect to have, at least a 2:1 degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Physics or a closely related subject. Experience in physical chemistry, soft matter physics or biophysics is desirable.