Masters Degree level qualification in biological science, biochemistry or a related discipline.
Practical experience in biological or biochemical science, especially relating to cell membranes, lipids and proteins.
Interest in analysis of lipids, lipid oxidation and lipid protein interactions.
In May 2019, the Department of Biosciences at Aston University was awarded the EU Marie Skłodowska-Curie funded COFUND Doctoral Programme entitled MemTrain (Cell Membranes in Industrial Processes Training). The Programme is coordinated by Dr Alan Goddard who is a member of the Aston Membrane Protein and Lipid Research Group (AMPL) https://www2.aston.ac.uk/lhs/research/centres-facilities/molecular-biomedical-research/ampl.
Over five years, MemTrain will train Early Stage Researchers (ESRs; within 4 years of Masters qualification) undertaking a PhD in an area of research within the remit of AMPL, each of which is expected to have an intersectoral focus. Possible projects involve determining the roles of biological membranes in biotechnology or medicines discovery and the application of novel methodologies to investigate these membranes. Our 11 industrial partners will contribute to training of the researchers to generate a unique, integrated, learning environment in which graduate students benefit from industrial links, employability and entrepreneurial skills, and will leave as researchers who are highly competitive for jobs within academia and industry, as well as public policy, intellectual property law or as entrepreneurs. The 7 projects available are as follows:
1. Development of therapeutics for dermal and ocular use based on plant bioactive compounds
2. Understanding age and diabetes related changes in erythrocyte membranes
3. The role of protein lipoxidation in cell membrane signalling
4. The effect of lipid oxidation on membrane protein activity
5. De Novo design of membrane protein channels using a multidisciplinary approach
6. Identification of new inhibitors of aquaporin water channel function
7. Strain optimisation for production of high value chemicals
The first cohort of ESRs were appointed in October 2019 and it is expected that 7 ESRs will be recruited in this call.
In light of the current Coronavirus pandemic, the deadline for applications has been extended to 24th May 2020. All interviews will now take place via Skype or other video conferencing platforms.
