Funding and Finance

BBSRC CASE MRes/PhD Studentship - Investigating and Enhancing Protein Production in a Single Use Bioreactor System

  • Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences
  • Reference Code: CMB59

Details:

Supervisor: Professor J Lakey
Institute: Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences
Sponsors: BBSRC (CASE), Cellexus Ltd UK
Project duration: 3 years (PhD only) or 4 years (MRes Medical and Molecular Biosciences followed by a three-year PhD)

Proteins are increasingly important as high value products, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry where therapeutic proteins such as monocloncalantibodies, vaccines and insulin are likely to achieve an annual turnover of $53 billion by 2010.

The aims of this project are to use the experience of the academic laboratory in protein characterisation and engineering to study the yields and quality of proteins over-expressed by the cells in the bioreactor.

The majority of work will use bacterial cells but yeast based expression systems will also be used. The project will be a cross disciplinary study involving, in the academic laboratory, the use of molecular biology, protein biochemistry, biophysics, and microbiology.

The studentship includes the opportunity to work closely with Cellexus an innovative company providing single use bioreactors to grow cells for academic or industrial customers. The collaboration with Cellexus will enable the student to acquire skills in fermentation science as well as experience of an industrial and commercial environment. The project will also provide opportunities for hands on laboratory work, interactions with customers and presentations at scientific meetings enabling the student to develop a range of skills suitable for career paths in industry or academia.

References
Chalton, et al (2007) Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics, 465, 1-10
Chalton, et al (2006) Infection and Immunity, 74, 6624-6631
Dumon, et al (2008) Journal of Biological Chemistry, 283, 22557-22564
Nedelkina, et al (2008) Protein Expression and Purification, 60, 214-220

Person Specification
Enthusiastic graduates from any area of the natural sciences are encouraged to apply. You should have, or expect to achieve, a first-class or upper-second-class Honours degree (or European equivalent) or a higher qualification, in a relevant subject.

Value of the Award and Eligibility
This award is available to students who have a relevant connection to the UK and meet the BBSRC’s eligibility criteria. Depending on how you meet the eligibility criteria, you may receive a full award (covers fees and an annual stipend of £13,290) or a partial award (fees only).

How to Apply
You must complete the University’s postgraduate application form, selecting ‘Master of Research/Doctor of Philosophy (Medical Sciences) – Cell and Molecular Biosciences (full time)’ as the programme of study and inserting the reference number CMB59. Only mandatory fields need to be completed (no personal statement required) and a CV and a covering letter should be attached to the application. The covering letter must state the title of the studentship, quote the reference number CMB59 and state how your interests match the project.

Closing date for applications: Early application is advised as applications will only be considered until a suitable candidate is appointed.

Further information
For more details, please see www.ncl.ac.uk/camb/postgrad/funding/studentship or contact Professor Jeremy Lakey, j.h.lakey@ncl.ac.uk