Durham Doctoral Teaching Fellowship: Carbon dioxide biology in sustainability and health

Background

The role of carbon dioxide in the history of life on Earth is unequivocal. Global carbon dioxide fixation by ancient bacteria, approximately 2½ billion years ago, generated the atmospheric oxygen that permitted the evolution of the Earth’s dizzying array of multicellular organisms. Despite the fundamental role of carbon dioxide in the development of life on Earth, little is known about the molecular mechanisms by which organisms respond to fluctuating carbon dioxide.

Carbon dioxide is now an intense focus for sustainability and public health. For example, carbon dioxide is of strategic research importance through its role in sustainable biotechnology (linked to decreasing reliance on fossil fuels), in understanding plant responses to climate change, and the contribution of carbon dioxide to poor prognosis in lifestyle diseases, e.g., obesity, smoking-related disorders (linked to public health and healthy ageing). Therefore, this project will illuminate the biology of this crucial yet relatively under-explored molecule of central importance to all life on Earth.

Carbon dioxide regulates calcium signalling in animals and plants, suggesting a profoundly conserved sensing mechanism. Understanding this mechanism will inform sustainable responses to climate change and public health. This project is a multi-disciplinary PhD that will provide the following training. No prior practical experience in these areas is necessary.

Biosciences-Molecular biology, protein expression and purification. Chemistry-Chemical handling, potentiometry, NMR. Interdisciplinary-Mass spectrometry, data handling and analysis, computational skills. Computation-Data sciences (R basics; Python; structural biology; biophysics). Microbiology-Culture, handling, genetic transformation, synthetic biology.

The successful candidate will provide teaching support for a new degree programme in Biochemistry in the Department of Biosciences. The student will provide tutorials, academic support, expertise in research skills, and help provide teaching for practical-based modules. This opportunity will give the student a diverse teaching and presentation portfolio.

The ideal candidate will have an undergraduate background in biosciences, independently or in combination with another discipline, preferably with biochemistry and/or biological chemistry knowledge.

Full details on the roles and responsibilities for this position can be found here: DDTF Roles and Responsibilities.

How to apply

To apply for this role please submit an application for a PhD in Biological Sciences, via our postgraduate portal by Friday 30th June. Please include a copy of your CV and a Covering Letter detailing your previous experience and reasons for applying for this post. 

Please contact Professor Martin J Cann for any informal enquiries.

Funding Information

The duration of the role is 4.5 years and is available for students with home fee status only. 

The successful applicant will receive a stipend at UKRI rates (currently £18,622) for 42 months. They will then receive a salary at Grade 6 on the University pay scales (£27,929 - £34,308) for 12 months.