We have a 3-year fully funded PhD studentship available. Start date is 1 October 2021 or 1 January 2022.

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Outline:

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Membrane-bound proteins play an integral role in biology. They control the transport of ions and molecules across the membrane, dictate chemical reactivity and catalysis, and enable signalling between cellular entities. Synthetic assemblies that can mimic this behaviour have potential applications in channel-replacement therapies, drug delivery applications, and may find use in synthetic biology as components in hierarchical molecular networks, for example in synthetic cells that function as chemical factories. This project will investigate unique supramolecular approaches to develop stimuli-responsive assemblies that can insert into membranes and act as ion transporters, or as prototypical transmembrane signalling systems.

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​Skills the researcher will learn:

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• Organic synthesis

• Synthesis and analysis of supramolecular assemblies

• Formation and study of vesicles and the study of transmembrane processes

• A variety of analytical techniques (e.g. NMR, fluorescence and UV/vis spectroscopy)

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The interdisciplinary nature of this project means that there is likely to be opportunities for collaboration, both inside and outside the Department of Chemistry.

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Candidate requirements:

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• Good knowledge of organic chemistry and an interest in supramolecular chemistry

• A first or upper-second class Master’s degree in Chemistry (and not be in possession of a PhD)

• Funding is for UK students

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Please get in touch with James for more information: james.cooper@reading.ac.uk

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See the advert on FindAPhD: https://tinyurl.com/transmembrane

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