Ultra-fast Structural Dynamics in Biomimetic Cell Membranes

PGR-P-1307

Key facts

Type of research degree: PhD
Application deadline: Ongoing deadline
Project start date: Sunday 1 January 2023
Country eligibility: International (open to all nationalities, including the UK)
Funding: Non-funded
Supervisors: Dr Amin Sadeghpour Dilmaghani
Additional supervisors: Prof Michael Rappolt; Dr Arwen Tyler
Schools: School of Food Science and Nutrition

<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Summary</h2>

Living cells have adapted different mechanisms to proliferate and maintain their stability. Among those, motions of molecules in cell membranes play an important role. Those motions and movements include phospholipids rotation, its redistribution within a monolayer or exchange within bilayers. We know that these phenomena occur in broad time intervals, i.e., ranging from nanosecond to several minutes. Yet, how ultra-fast femtosecond motions support the cell cycle and control their functions like mechanical stability, membrane transport and signalling to be discovered.<br /> <br /> This PhD project aims to unveil membranes dynamics with femtosecond time-resolution and capture images of single molecule of membrane in the act. The methodology will include developing microfluidics for synthesis of asymmetric biomimetic membranes and its applications for serial imaging by in X-ray and free electron laser scattering. The project will shed light onto how complex membranes evolved in stability and functions against more primitive ones.

<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Full description</h2>

<div style="margin-bottom: 11px;"> <p style="margin-bottom:11px">Living cells have adapted different mechanisms to proliferate and maintain their stability.  Among those, motions of molecules in cell membranes play an important role.  Those motions and movements include phospholipids rotation, its redistribution within a monolayer or exchnage within bilayers. We know that these phenomena occur in broad time intervals, i.e., ranging from nanosecond to several minutes. Yet, how ultra-fast femtosecond motions support the cell cycle and control their functions like mechanical stability, membrane transport and signalling to be discovered. This PhD project aims to unveil membranes dynamics with femtoseond time-resolution and capture images of single molecule of membrane in the act. The methodology will include developing microfluidics for synthesis of asymmetric biomimetic membraes and its applications forserial imaging by in X-ray and free electron laser scattering. The project will shed light onto how complex membranes evolved in stability and functions against more primitive ones. <span style="font-size:10.0pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> </span></span></span></p> </div>

<h2 class="heading">How to apply</h2>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <strong>Ultra-fast Structural Dynamics in Biomimetic Cell Membranes</strong> as well as <strong><a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/faculty/staff/9450/dr-amin-sadeghpour">Dr Amin Sadeghpour</a></strong> as your proposed supervisor.</p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>We welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates, but UK black and minority ethnic (BME) researchers are currently under-represented in our Postgraduate Research community, and we would therefore particularly encourage applications from UK BME candidates. All scholarships will be awarded on the basis of merit.</em></p>

<h2 class="heading heading--sm">Entry requirements</h2>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

<h2 class="heading heading--sm">English language requirements</h2>

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid.

<h2 class="heading">Contact details</h2>

<p>For information about the project please contact <a href="mailto:a.sadeghpour@leeds.ac.uk">Dr Amin Sadeghpour</a>.</p> <p>For further information please contact the Graduate School Office <strong>maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk</strong>. </p>