Two of our projects have been selected for prestigious Scientia PhD scholarships: Please include your CV and a statement of your research interests when applying for the PhD scholarships.
PhD Scholarship: Molecular Arms Race Between Host Cells and HIV
The HIV capsid is a protein shell protecting the viral genome on its journey to the nucleus. The capsid interacts with competing protein networks: the virus hijacks cellular proteins to cloak itself while proteins of the innate immune system recognise and destroy viral capsids. This project will (1) investigate the dynamic interactions between host cell proteins with the viral capsid in vitro and in cells using fluorescence microscopy and (2) obtain structural insight into these complexes. The aim is to resolve mechanisms by which competing protein machinery affects viral capsid stability. This approach may identify new targets for HIV therapy.
About you: First-class honours or equivalent in (bio)physics, (bio)chemistry, virology or related discipline. The investigation is a part of the collaboration between Till Böcking (Single Molecule Science), Stuart Turville (Kirby Institute) and Paul Curmi (Physics).
UNSW Scientia PhD scholars are awarded a prestigious scholarship package of $50,000 per annum, comprising a tax-free living allowance of $40,000 per annum for 4 years, tuition fees for the full 4 year period, and a support package of up to $10,000 per annum to provide financial support for career development activities.
Please contact Till Böcking (see links below) by 21 July 2017.
https://research.unsw.edu.au/people/associate-professor-till-boecking
https://molecular-machines.unsw.edu.au/
PhD Scholarship: Actin Filament Assembly Mechanisms at the Single Molecule Level
The project aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that drive the self-assembly of functionally distinct actin tropomyosin filaments using mathematical modelling and single-molecule biophysics. Data from surface chemistry, microfluidics and fluorescence microscopy will quantitate the interactions between tropomyosins and actin filaments at high temporal resolution. The project will determine binding kinetics, test models for cooperativity, assess competition between tropomyosin isoforms and test drugs disrupting the stability of the actin cytoskeleton. The outcome is the first quantitative and predictive model of the actin cytoskeleton. The work will reveal principles for co-assembly of specialised structures in the crowded cellular environment.
About you: First-class honours or equivalent in mathematics, (bio)physics, (bio)chemistry, engineering or computer science. The investigation is a part of the collaboration between Adelle Coster and Till Böcking in the Faculty of Medicine - more details here.
UNSW Scientia PhD scholars are awarded a prestigious scholarship package of $50,000 per annum, comprising a tax-free living allowance of $40,000 per annum for 4 years, tuition fees for the full 4 year period, and a support package of up to $10,000 per annum to provide financial support for career development activities.
Please Adelle Coster or Till Böcking by 21 July 2017.
https://research.unsw.edu.au/people/associate-professor-adelle-coster
https://research.unsw.edu.au/people/associate-professor-till-boecking
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