Fully-funded White Rose BBSRC DTP iCase with ONT: Exploring Structures of Membrane-Inserted Helicases for Advancing Nanopore Sequencing Revolution

Lead supervisor: Prof Fred Antson

Co-supervisors: Dr Oliver Bayfield

Industrial Partner: Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT)

The student will be registered with the Department of Chemistry

Join the Nanopore Sequencing Revolution

Ready to dive into ground-breaking DNA sequencing research? Recent advances in DNA sequencing are revolutionizing fields like medicine, healthcare, food supply chains, and environmental safety. At the heart of this revolution is nanopore sequencing, a cutting-edge technique using 1nm pores in a membrane to detect electrical signals as DNA bases pass through.

But here’s the exciting part: We’re pushing the boundaries of nanopore sequencing by harnessing bioinspired protein nanopores. These ultra-sensitive structures can enhance reliability and prolong pore lifespan. Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) already achieves 99% sequencing accuracy, but we aim to merge the membrane pore and helicase into a single protein for a sequencing revolution.

How? We’re pioneering direct membrane insertion of hexameric helicases to improve translocation speed and pore stability.

Why Choose this Project: Your Path to Innovation

This is an invitation to join an interdisciplinary collaboration spanning molecular biology, protein biochemistry, structural biology, and single-molecule biophysics. You’ll straddle academia at the University of York and industrial biotechnology R&D at ONT. Plus, we’re partnering with Dr. Sanders’ lab at the University of Sheffield for helicase characterization. For examples of our recent work please read Bayfield OW et al, Nature, 2023, 617: 409 and Mojtabavi M et al, J Am Chem Soc, 2022, 144:22540.

Financial Support for Your Ambitions

This fully funded opportunity includes a BBSRC stipend, ONT supplement, and funding for your ONT placement. Picture yourself in a dynamic research environment with renowned academics and entrepreneurs. Under ONT’s guidance, you’ll explore industrial potential and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Your Launchpad for the Future

At the University of York, you’ll participate in world-class academic research, setting your foundation for a future in academia, industry, or start-ups.

Ready for a scientific revolution in DNA sequencing? Join us on this journey where your passion meets the potential of nanopore sequencing. Apply now to shape the future!

The Departments of Biology and Chemistry both hold an Athena SWAN Gold Award. We are committed to supporting equality and diversity and strive to provide a positive working environment for all staff and students.

The WR DTP and the University of York are committed to recruiting future scientists regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or career pathway to date. We understand that commitment and excellence can be shown in many ways and we have built our recruitment process to reflect this. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in science, who have curiosity, creativity and a drive to learn new skills.

Entry Requirements: Students with, or expecting to gain, at least an upper second class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply. The interdisciplinary nature of this programme means that we welcome applications from students with any biological, chemical, and/or physical science backgrounds, or students with mathematical background who are interested in using their skills in addressing biological questions. 

Programme: PhD in Biological Chemistry (4 years)

Start Date: 16th September 2024

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by the WR DTP panel in March 2024 on a date to be confirmed.