PhD in Chemistry: Development of new DNA-binding sensitisers for biosensors

Outline

The aim of this project is to develop new molecules for use as DNA-binding sensitisers in biosensors for detection of pathogens by their DNA. The project will develop the synthesis of novel organic and inorganic molecules and use biophysical methods to fully describe their DNA-binding behaviour.

The project will involve organic and inorganic synthesis, and characterisation using a breadth of analytical and spectroscopic techniques including NMR, UV-vis., fluorescence, circular dichroism, and electron paramagnetic resonance as well as titration calorimetry. There is extensive scope for developing new materials and evolving their applications.

As the project is embedded in an interdisciplinary training and research program, you will be expected to work closely with the other PhD students in your cohort who will be based in the School of Pharmacy and in the School of Engineering. Further collaboration will be with researchers from a variety of different disciplines including the School of Physics and Astronomy, public health bodies and industry.

The project will involve:

• the design, synthesis and characterisation of new so-called sensitisers, i.e. DNA-binding molecules with spectroscopic properties allowing sensitive detection.

• biophysical studies of the interactions of the new molecules with nucleic acid structures, including DNA*DNA duplexes.

• evaluation of the detection of pathogen DNA by a prototype biosensor.

Supervisors:

Dr Niklaas Buurma https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/people/view/38556-buurma-niek

Prof. Simon Pope https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/people/view/38559-pope-simon

Dr Jenna Bowen https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/people/view/90836-bowen-jenna

What is funded

This studentship includes Home/EU fee and stipend. The stipend and fees are at the UKRI rate (for 2020/21 is £15,285; £4,407 respectively).

Eligibility

A BSc 2.1 or Masters level qualification in a relevant subject area is required.

If you wish to have an informal chat with any of the supervisors about their possible research project please feel free to contact them directly.

The studentship is open to:

•UK students

•EU students who have been resident in the UK for three years at the course start date

How to Apply

To apply please follow the link and apply for a Chemistry PhD

https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/programmes/progra…

Please include in your application a full CV and a short supporting statement (maximum one side of A4) as to why you are the best applicant for your research area.

Full and part time study options are available.

Start date: 1st October 2020

Application deadline Friday 17th April.

We will not be contacting applicants until after the deadline

Possible interview dates: to be held week beginning May 4th, 2020.

For the interview applicants are asked to prepare a short (10 minutes maximum) oral presentation on their research interests or a recent/current research project. Use of Powerpoint is encouraged.

Given current Government advice, we plan to conduct interviews remotely.