PhD Studentship - Getting more from low-resolution methods: the combination of SAXS and atomistic mo

Supervisory Team: Jonathan Essex & Ivo Tews

Project description

Structural knowledge at the atomic level is essential for a complete understanding of biological function. Current approaches to determine molecular structure typically involve high-resolution methods, including X-ray crystallography and cryoEM. However, these methods have their limitations (solid state, low temperature etc). Small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), on the other hand, provides structural information in the solution phase at room temperature, but is limited in terms of resolution. In this multidisciplinary project, you will work in close collaboration with scientists at the Diamond Light Source (DLS) to develop theoretical methods and software to combine atomistic molecular simulations with SAXS data, to extend the structural information from SAXS experiments to higher resolutions. The potential implications to understanding biological function through the combination of these approaches are huge.

You will spend approximately half of this 4 year studentship working at the DLS, where you will benefit from the world-class facilities and learn the SAXS technique. At the University of Southampton you will be supervised by Prof Jonathan Essex, an expert in the development and application of computer simulation methodology to biological systems. At the DLS you will be supervised by Dr Rob Rambo and Nikul Khunti, both of whom are leading in the application of SAXS to biological systems.

The project will involve the development and implementation of advanced molecular simulation methods and SAXS analysis in a suite of software suitable for use on the SAXS beamline at Diamond. You will become a multidisciplinary expert in molecular simulation methodology, software design and development, and SAXS data generation and analysis.

You will have a first or upper second class degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physics, Engineering or Computer Science. You will have a keen interest in working outside a single discipline, possess good communication and organisational skills, and be highly self-motivated and proactive

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Prof Jonathan Essex (http://www.essexgroup.soton.ac.uk/) , Computational Systems Chemistry Research Group, Email: jwe1@soton.ac.uk , Tel: +44 (0) 2380 592794.

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk

We aim to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.