A PhD position is available in our group to work on the evolutionary biology
of microsporidian parasites:
Microsporidia, opportunistic intracellular pathogens, cause chronic
diarrhoea in children and the elderly, especially in the developing World
and frequently infect patients with HIV/AIDS. They are among the simplest
eukaryotic cells known, having lost many metabolic pathways common to other
eukaryotes and have greatly simplified the structure and functions of their
organelles. As a consequence, Microsporidia are ideal model systems for
identifying the truly indispensable features of eukaryotic cells.
Recent data from our laboratory suggest that mitosomes, the basic
mitochondria found in Microsporidia, house enzymes that are vital for
parasite survival (Nature, 452, 624-628; Nature 453, 553-556; Nature, 440:
623-630; Nature, 418: 865-869). The aim of this project is to now fully
determine the essential function(s) of these minimal mitochondria.
The work
has far reaching importance because: (i) it will provide functional data for
an organelle that is essential for the survival of major human parasites and
(ii) it will challenge the long-held hypothesis that the key function of
mitochondria (defined in the broadest sense) in eukaryotic cells is to make
ATP.
The successful candidate will join a research group working at the forefront
of international efforts to understand the fundamental biology and evolution
of Microsporidia and will play a major role in a multidisciplinary
international project with similar aims. You will be trained in cell and
molecular biology, and in computational analysis, in a laboratory with a
strong interest in evolution (Nature, 440: 623-630). You will also have
opportunities to work in the laboratories of our leading collaborators in
Cambridge and Germany (Nature, 452, 624-628; Nature 453, 553-556).
Person Specification: You should have, or expect to achieve, a first class
or upper-second class Honours degree (or European equivalent) or a higher
qualification, in a relevant subject.
Eligibility and Value of Award: This Studentship is open to UK and other EU
students who have a relevant connection to the UK and meet the BBSRC¹s
eligibility criteria. The award will cover tuition fees and an annual
stipend (living allowance) at UK Research Council rates (approximately
£13,000 per annum).
Please pass this on to anyone you know who might be interested, or to anyone
who might be able to pass it on further.
Thanks,
Martin Embley
email: martin.embley[at]ncl.ac.uk
Tel: 0044191 222 7702
http://www.ncl.ac.uk/camb/staff/profile/martin.embley
http://www.ncl.ac.uk/microbial_eukaryotes/
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