At a Glance
- Tasks: Explore the fascinating world of bacteria that produce electricity and their unique properties.
- Company: Join a leading research lab at Norwich Research Park with a focus on biosciences.
- Benefits: Receive a stipend, tuition coverage, and a £5,000 annual research grant.
- Other info: Participate in a professional internship for valuable work experience and career growth.
- Why this job: Make groundbreaking discoveries in bioelectricity while gaining hands-on experience in advanced techniques.
- Qualifications: Must have at least a 2:1 Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
The predicted salary is between 21805 - 21805 £ per year.
Bacteria that can produce electricity are being intensively researched due to their potential applications in metal recovery, desalination and enhanced fermentation. The model microorganism Geobacter sulfurreducens is one of the most efficient producers of bioelectricity, and the current production has been linked to a single extABCD gene cluster. Our preliminary characterisation of the products of this gene cluster reveals that it contains three cytochromes with unique and distinct heme clusters. This project aims to fully understand the properties of these cytochromes through a range of structural and spectroscopic studies, with a view to better understanding how this gene cluster can support large electrical currents.
Responsibilities
The student will join an active lab with considerable expertise in handling these types of cytochromes. The student will be trained in a range of techniques, including protein expression and purification, UV spectroscopy, protein film voltammetry, X‑ray crystallography, cryo‑EM, and other biochemical and biophysical techniques.
Qualifications
At least a 2:1 Bachelor’s degree.
Program Details
- Start date: 1 October 2026.
- Closing date: 30 July 2026.
- The project is awarded with a 4‑year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD studentship.
- The studentship includes payment of tuition fees directly to the University, a stipend to cover living expenses (£21,805 for 2026/7), and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000 per year.
- All students will participate in a three‑month professional internship placement (PIPS) during their study, providing work experience and professional development.
Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background.
