Using ribosomes as molecular thermometers to predict optimal growth conditions and peer into the ancient history of life on Earth

Introduction:

We invite you to work with us to establish a new revolutionary method to peer into the ancient history of life on our planet. We will make this possible by studying ribosomes - the most ancient molecular machines in a living cell, the origin of which dates back to the beginning of life 4 billion years ago.

Aims:

We will use:

1. cryo-electron microscopy to determine structures of ribosomes from

bacteria that are adapted to extreme environments, such as boiling water or extreme cold;

2. big data analysis to reveal hidden rules of ribosome adaptations to extreme environments;

3a. protein biophysics to assess how sequence variations in ribosomal proteins affect their melting temperatures;

3b. using plant genetics, assess how ribosomal mutations affect plant temperature tolerance;

4. using advanced 3D printing, create a museum exhibit to illustrate how biological molecules adapt to extreme environments.

Outcomes:

This study will reveal how ribosomes adapt to extreme temperatures and how ribosomes can be used as 'molecular thermometers': instead of running laboratory experiments, we will be able to accurately predict the optimal growth environment for a given organism by sequencing its ribosomal genes. This may forever change our approach to studying unculturable and extinct species and the history of climate change on our planet.

Training:

You will receive advanced training in structural biology and bioinformatics (at Newcastle University) and basic training in protein biophysics and plant genetics (at Durham University). You will also cooperate with a private company to master 3D printing of biological molecules and prepare part of our museum exhibit: 'Evolution in the world that Darwin never saw'.

We encourage and train our students to master the arts of academic writing, oral communication and project/time management. We will help the student to publish at least two first-author papers and will do our best to support their transition to the next stage of their career in academia or industry.

Requirements:

We value most your intellectual curiosity, motivation, friendliness, and a strong work ethic. A basic understanding of molecular biology or physics is desired.

Our mentorship philosophy:

We believe that effective mentors help mentees succeed by adjusting the learning challenges to be 'just right' for them. We consider your Ph.D. training as your professional life from the stage of "birth" to "maturity": we will help you make your first baby steps and gradually become an independent, world-class expert leading your own research project.