Filming photosynthesis: using computer simulations and fluorescence experiments to assess the dynamics of light-harvesting membranes from plants

Understanding the molecular basis of photosynthesis can support the development of improved crops and novel solar nanotechnologies. Plant proteins called Light-Harvesting (LH) complexes absorb sunlight and channel this energy to Photosystem (PS) proteins where that energy is transduced into a chemical form. These LH proteins are some of the most abundant membrane proteins on Earth, found in high numbers in the chloroplasts of all green plants. We know the structures of many of the proteins within this system, however, we do not understand how the proteins move in real time and how they interact with each other at the atomistic scale. <br /> <br /> Computational methodologies, such as Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations, allow us to follow the motion of such proteins over time in the membrane environment in which they function. In this project, we will use an interdisciplinary approach that combines MD simulations and fluorescence experiments such as spectroscopy and microscopy to: (1) quantify the effect of the lipid molecules on the function of LH and PS proteins, (2) to assess the interactions between multiple proteins and their clustering together. This research will lead to improved understanding of the biomolecules crucial for solar energy capture in photosynthesis and could have impact on plant science and sustainability.<br /> <br /> We welcome applications from students with a background or interest biochemistry, chemistry or physics, or related fields. Applicants should be interested to learn about computational biophysics and experimental spectroscopy. We strongly encourage applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups in STEM. Our research group is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for all students. We are also committed to providing accommodations for students with disabilities. Please contact us to discuss any specific needs.

<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 Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for <strong>PHD Physics & Astronomy FT</strong> and in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <strong>“Filming photosynthesis: using computer simulations and fluorescence experiments to assess the dynamics of light-harvesting membranes from plants”</strong> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/physics/staff/4098/dr-peter-adams">Dr Peter Adams</a> and <a href="https://medicinehealth.leeds.ac.uk/medicine/staff/485/dr-antreas-kalli">Dr Antreas Kalli</a> as your proposed supervisors.</p> <p>Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis.  Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application.  We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p><strong>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Friday 13 December 2024 if applying for the Bell Burnell Scholarship, Monday 6 January 2025 if applying for the China Scholarship Council-University of Leeds Scholarship, Monday 3 February 2025 if applying for Leeds Doctoral Scholarship or Tuesday 1 April 2025 for Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul> <p>If you are applying with external sponsorship or you are funding your own study, please ensure you submit your application with your supporting d<span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri">ocuments, in order for your application to be considered.</span></span></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>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

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.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 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. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p style="margin-bottom:12px"><strong>UK </strong>– The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/102-bell-burnell-scholarship-award-awarded-by-the-iop">Bell Burnell Scholarship Award</a> is available to support applicants who are from groups that are currently under-represented in physics (awarded by the IOP) <strong>(closing date: Friday 13 December 2024)</strong>. The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/138-leeds-doctoral-scholarship-2025-faculty-of-engineering-and-physical-sciences#:~:text=Key%20facts&text=One%20Leeds%20Doctoral%20Scholarship%20is,rata%20for%20part%2Dtime%20study.">Leeds Doctoral Scholarship</a> <strong>(closing date: Monday 3 February 2025)</strong> and <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/234-leeds-opportunity-research-scholarship-2022">Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship</a> <strong>(closing date: Tuesday 1 April 2025)</strong> are available to UK applicants. <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds. </p> <p><strong>Non-UK</strong> – The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/48-china-scholarship-council-university-of-leeds-scholarships-2021">China Scholarship Council - University of Leeds Scholarship</a> is available to nationals of China <strong>(closing date: Monday 6 January 2025)</strong>. The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/111-fulbright-university-of-leeds-award">Leeds Fulbright Scholarship</a> is available to support US citizens. <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds. Please contact the supervisors for advice on applying.</p> <p><strong>Self-Funded or externally sponsored students are welcome to apply.</strong></p> <p>You will be responsible for paying the overtime fee in full in your writing up/overtime year (£320 in Session 2024/25), but the scholarship maintenance allowance will continue to be paid for up to 6 months in the final year of award.</p> <p><strong>Important: </strong>Please note that that the award does not cover the costs associated with moving to the UK.  All such costs (<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/international-visas-immigration/doc/applying-student-visa">visa, Immigration Health Surcharge</a>, flights etc) would have to be met by yourself, or you will need to find an alternative funding source. Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p style="margin-top:7px; margin-bottom:7px">For further information about this project, please contact Dr Peter Adams: e: <a href="mailto:EMAIL@leeds.ac.uk">p.g.adams@leeds.ac.uk</a>, t: +44 (0)113 343 9718.</p> <p>For further information about your application, please contact Doctoral College Admissions: e: <a href="mailto:maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk">maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>