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- Tasks: Design AI-driven protein minibinders to combat fungal plant pathogens.
- Company: Join a leading research partnership in biosciences with top universities.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and access to cutting-edge research tools.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on agriculture by innovating solutions against plant diseases.
- Qualifications: Strong background in biology or biochemistry; passion for research and innovation.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and networking.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
Fungal pathogens are expert manipulators of their plant hosts, which is achieved through the activity of secreted effector proteins which disable plant immunity. Understanding effector function has been enhanced through predictive structural biology tools such as AlphaFold, which allow accurate prediction of effector structures from primary sequence. We recently identified a number of immune-suppressing effectors from the major wheat pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici. These effectors have diverse phenotypes when expressed in plants and many have high-confidence AlphaFold predictions.
This project aims to use the most recent advances in AI-guided structural biology to design artificial protein minibinders that are able to bind specifically and inactivate secreted fungal effector proteins. The student will be responsible for designing protein minibinders using pipelines such as RFdiffusion, BindCraft and Latent-X. These will be designed against a panel of Z. tritici effectors with confirmed or high-confidence structures. Minibinders and effectors will be produced in heterologous expression systems and purified by affinity chromatography. Pairwise interactions between effectors and minibinders will be tested by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) or microscale thermophoresis (MST) in collaboration with the lab of Prof. Andy Lovering. In parallel, minibinder/effector pairs will be co-expressed using Agrobacterium-mediated transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana. This will test whether minibinders are able to disrupt and ameliorate the known phenotypes of their target effector. We anticipate that the highest affinity minibinders will be both detectable by ITC/MST and modify effector phenotypes in plants. If successful, this will be the proof of concept that in-silico designed minibinders can interact with pathogen effectors and suppress their activity.
For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Graeme Kettles at g.j.kettles@bham.ac.uk.
Funding and partnership
Funding notes: This is a PhD studentship with the Midlands Integrated Biosciences Training Partnership, funded by BBSRC and in partnership with the University of Warwick, Aston University, Harper Adams University, Coventry University, and the University of Leicester.
For more details please visit: Warwick site placeholder or Birmingham site placeholder.
References
Thynne E, et al. An array of Zymoseptoria tritici effectors suppress plant immune responses. Mol Plant Pathol. 2024 Oct;25(10):e13500. doi: 10.1111/mpp.13500. PMID: 39394693; PMCID: PMC11470090.
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PhD Studentship: AI-designed effector minibinders for suppression of fungal plant pathogens employer: University of Birmingham
Contact Detail:
University of Birmingham Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Studentship: AI-designed effector minibinders for suppression of fungal plant pathogens
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your professors, colleagues, and anyone in the field. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet. Plus, a personal recommendation can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in relevant projects or internships. Hands-on experience is invaluable and shows potential employers that you're serious about your field. Plus, it gives you something to chat about during interviews!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and showcasing your knowledge about the project. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with the role, especially around AI and structural biology.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace PhD Studentship: AI-designed effector minibinders for suppression of fungal plant pathogens
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the project. We want to see your passion for AI and structural biology shine through!
Showcase Relevant Experience: Don’t forget to mention any relevant research or projects you've worked on, especially those involving protein design or plant pathogens. This helps us see how you can contribute to our team.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary, and make sure to explain any complex terms.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Birmingham
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest advances in AI-guided structural biology and how they relate to fungal pathogens. Brush up on tools like AlphaFold, RFdiffusion, and BindCraft. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your passion and expertise.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about protein design and purification techniques. Familiarise yourself with affinity chromatography and methods like ITC and MST. Practising how to explain these processes clearly can help you stand out as a knowledgeable candidate.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
This project involves collaboration with various universities and labs. Be ready to share examples of past teamwork experiences and how you’ve successfully worked with others to achieve a common goal. Highlighting your collaborative skills can make a big difference.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the project and the team’s goals. Inquire about the specific challenges they face with effector proteins or how they envision the role of the PhD student evolving. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.