PhD Studentship (Full-time)
Institution
Department
Supervisors
Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University
Department of Biological Sciences
PhD Supervisor: Professor David O’Connor (Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool
University)
Co-supervisor: Professor Rob Beynon (University of Liverpool)
Application
Deadline
Funding
Availability
Project Title
Open until the position is filled
funded PhD project (world-wide students)
Global identification of protease substrates by terminus proteomics
Details of project
Proteases have critical functions in many essential processes, including DNA replication,
progression through the cell-cycle, cell proliferation, differentiation and migration and
morphogenesis.
Understandably, therefore, their dysfunction results in a range of
pathological conditions, e.g. cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and various inflammatory
and cardiovascular diseases. It is often possible to gain insights into the processes they
regulate by identifying their substrates. Importantly, such work can lead to the development
of specific protease inhibitors with therapeutic activity. The aim of the proposed project is to
devise and implement new strategies for the isolation of the amino-terminal peptides from
proteins to allow the robust and global identification of substrates for specific proteases.
Following validation and optimization, the new approaches will be used to characterize the
substrate repertoire of a specific protease of biomedical importance.
The studentship will provide in-depth training on state-of-the-art proteomic instrumentation to
address an important biological problem. As part of the University of Liverpool Off-Site PhD
Programme at XJTLU, generic skills training and a personal development programme will
also be provided.
Research Instrumentation available
The proteomics instrumentation for this project is housed in customized labs in the
Department of Biological Sciences at XJTLU and has dedicated technical support. The
instrumentation includes: Thermo LTQ-Orbitrap Elite and TSQ Vantage mass spectrometers;
integrated ultra-high pressure nano-HPLC Systems (EASY-nLC™1000); an Agilent 3100
OffGel Fractionator; and a PerkinElmer Automated Liquid Handling Work Station. Dedicated
high performance workstations and software (e.g. MASCOT and Proteome Discoverer) are
available for data processing.
Requirements
Candidates should have a good degree in biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology or the
natural sciences (First or upper second-class degree (or equivalent)). Excellent English
(spoken and written) is also required - for admission, non-native speakers need to have
IELTS 6.5 or equivalent TOEFL score.
How to Apply
Interested applicants are advised to email the following documents to
postgraduate@xjtlu.edu.cn.
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CV
Two reference letters
Personal statement outlining your interest in the position
Proof of English language proficiency (an IELTS score of above 6.5 or comparable)
is required
Verified school transcripts in both Chinese and English (for international student, only
the English version is required)
Verified certificates of education qualifications in both Chinese and English (for
international student, only the English version is required)
We will acknowledge all applications by email. Should you have any questions or queries
regarding your application, please feel free to contact us.
Informal enquiries may be addressed to Professor David O’Connor (email:
David.OConnor@xjtlu.edu.cn) whose personal profile is linked below:
http://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/cn/faculty-zh/subject-staff-zh/item/573-david-oconnor.html