A Biomechanical Perspective on Pathogen Invasion using Artificial Cytoskeletal Networks

Description

Cells are fundamental to all life, a role which demands mechanical versatility. Cells are soft, which enables them to divide, and remodel but cells are also strong, which enables them to withstand stretching and shear. A complicating factor in understanding cell mechanics is that their properties depend not only on mechanical cues but also on biochemical stimuli.  A good example is a process known as glycosylation, which involves the attachment of a sugar molecule to a protein known as Vimentin.  Vimentin’s role involves mechanical protection for large deformations and, in healthy cells, glycosylation appears to mechanically reinforce vimentin.  However, during pathogen invasion, bacteria are known to be able to exploit this same process to shield themselves from the cell’s immune system. In this project you will seek to understand the mechanical aspects of this fascinating process by constructing, modifying and mechanically probing artificial networks that mimic the cytoskeleton in changing chemical and mechanical environments.

You will work with a multidisciplinary team comprising engineers, biologists and biophysicists across the University of Liverpool, Durham University and the University of York.  A particular focus will be to develop experimental tools to probe the mechanical versatility of cytoskeletal networks across multiple scales from the molecular scale to the microscopic scale using cutting edge biophysical tools such as advanced rheology, microrheology and optical tweezers. You will also learn how to express and purify cytoskeletal proteins and construct artificial cytoskeletal networks with controllable structure, mechanics and chemistry.

This PhD project will develop your skills and training in biophysics and chemical biology and would suit a recent graduate in Natural Sciences, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related disciplines such as biochemical engineering or biophysics.

We want all of our staff and Students to feel that Liverpool is an inclusive and welcoming environment that actively celebrates and encourages diversity. We are committed to working with students to make all reasonable project adaptations including supporting those with caring responsibilities, disabilities or other personal circumstances. For example, If you have a disability you may be entitled to a Disabled Students Allowance on top of your studentship to help cover the costs of any additional support that a person studying for a doctorate might need as a result.

We believe everyone deserves an excellent education and encourage students from all backgrounds and personal circumstances to apply.

Applicant Eligibility

Candidates will have, or be due to obtain, a Master’s Degree or equivalent from a reputable University in an appropriate field of Engineering. Exceptional candidates with a First Class Bachelor’s Degree in an appropriate field will also be considered.

Application Process

Candidates wishing to apply should complete the University of Liverpool application form [How to apply for a PhD - University of Liverpool] applying for a PhD in Materials Engineering and uploading: Degree Certificates & Transcripts, an up-to-date CV, a covering letter/personal statement and two academic references.