Department of Chemistry/Medical School
PhD Studentship
Dr. Matthew I. Gibson
PhD project:
Understanding and Exploiting Antifreeze Proteins using Synthetic Biology
Supervisor:
Matthew I. Gibson (Joint Medical School/Chemistry)
Project description:
The GibsonGroup (www.warwick.ac.uk/go/gibsongroup) has pioneered the study and application of
antifreeze proteins (AFPs) their synthetic mimetics. AFPs are produced by extremophile organisms living
in cold climates to protect them against ice. As such, there has been huge interest in the potential
application of AFPs to aid in cryopreservation; the storage of donor cells and tissue. However, the mode
of action of AFPs is not fully understood. Here we will use synthetic biology approaches to express
recombinant AFPs in bacterial systems. These proteins will then be used individually, or as hybrid materials
by combining them with synthetic polymers and carbohydrates. Full biophysical characterization of their
properties will be undertaken and applied to cryopreservation. The GibsonGroup is split between the
Department of Chemistry and Warwick Medical School providing a dynamic environment at the cutting
edge of chemical and clinical sciences. The GibsonGroup occupies a dedicated suite of labs including
synthetic, bioanalytical, tissue culture and (New in 2016) microbiology. We are very well equipped and
have access to world-leading analytical facilities. This position will be mostly based in the microbiology
labs (Medical School) but full integrated with the rest of the group. The research is group is large (~ 20
members) and highly interdisciplinary including chemists, statisticians and biologists.
Requirements:
Applicants should have an honours degree (at least II.1 or equivalent) in biochemistry, cell biology,
biology or chemistry or other relevant discipline, and should be a UK citizen or have been a resident in
the UK for three or more years. Candidates should be able to show an interest in multidisciplinary
science and be able to work in team environment.
How to apply:
Please direct informal enquiries and requests for further information to Professor Matthew Gibson
m.i.gibson@warwick.ac.uk including a 2 page (max) CV.
Details on the formal application procedure can be found at http://www.go.warwick.ac.uk/pgapply