Nanomechanics of bacterial carbon fixation machinery

Funding: Royal Society Research Grant (ref:RG130442)
Application Deadline: 7th March 2014

Description of the project:
Bacterial microcompartments are specialised organelles formed by the self-assembly of hundreds of proteins in vivo. They play key roles in enhancing cellular metabolisms. This project aims to investigate the assembly dynamics and nanomechanics of a carbon-fixing microcompartment, termed carboxysome, in cyanobacteria. We will combine the state-of-the-art microscopy techniques (including atomic force microscopy and force spectroscopy, electron microscopy and fluorescence microscopy) with biochemistry and high-performance computing to unravel the molecular basis of the self-assembly, mechanical “fingerprints” and function of carboxysomes. Our goal is to use this knowledge to inform the design, engineering and the ultimate manipulation of synthetic molecular machines in a predictive context. It will improve the engineering of metabolic devices, and will have broader applications across the whole field of self-assembling organelles and cell engineering.
Training in all aspects of the project will be provided with access to state-of-the-art infrastructure in the University and with collaborators in the UK, Europe, Australia and US, which means that there will be good opportunity for career development.

How to apply:
Highly motivated applicants with experience in microbiology and nanotechnology are encouraged to apply before 7th March 2014. Experience in atomic force microscopy would be an advantage.
Application and supporting material should be sent to Dr Luning Liu (luning.liu@liverpool.ac.uk). The candidates’ motivation, skills and personal qualifications for the project should be described in the application letter. The application should contain the following attachments:
• Applicant’s CV
• List of publications, relevant former positions and copy of relevant transcripts and diplomas. Please make sure that the transcripts and diplomas include a grading scale.
• Contact information for two or three references (email addresses and telephone number)
• Other relevant attachments

Contact:
Dr. Luning Liu, Group Leader, luning.liu@liverpool.ac.uk, http://pcwww.liv.ac.uk/~lnliu.

References:
Trends Plant Sci, 2013,18: 277-286
Cell, 2013, 155: 1131-1140
PNAS, 2012, 109: 11431-11436
PNAS, 2011, 108: 9455-9459
Science, 2010, 327: 1258-1261

Nr of positions available : 1

Research Fields

Biological sciences - Biology

Career Stage

Early stage researcher or 0-4 yrs (Post graduate)

Research Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)