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 biophysics, biochemistry, chemistry, biology 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>To apply for this project you will need to make a formal application for research degree study through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University website</a>. You will need to create a login ID with a username and PIN. </p> <p>•    For <strong>Application type</strong> please select <strong>Research Degrees – Research Postgraduate</strong>. <br /> •    The admission year for this project is <strong>2027/28</strong> Academic Year. <br /> •    You will need to select your <strong>Planned Course of Study</strong> from a drop-down menu. For this project, scroll down and select <strong>PHP Physics & Astronomy Full Time.</strong> <br /> •    The project start date for this project is <strong>1 October 2027</strong>, please use this as your <strong>Proposed Start Date of Research</strong>. <br /> •    Please state clearly in the<strong> Research Information Section</strong> 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 supervisor.</p> <p><strong>Please state clearly in the Finance section</strong>, <strong>the funding that you are applying for, if you are self-funding or externally sponsored</strong>.</p> <p>More information on how to apply is available on our website <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">here</a>. You will be required to provide a personal statement which outlines your interest in the project you are applying for, why you have chosen it and how your skills map onto the requirements of the project.</p> <p>We will assess applications continuously as we receive them. We welcome and strongly encourage any potential applicants to contact the supervisor(s) for an informal discussion, prior to applying, and recommend submitting your application early.</p> <p><strong>If you are applying with external sponsorship or you are funding your own study, please ensure you provide your supporting documents at the point you submit your application:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date including the grading scheme</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul> <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>This project is offered as part of University of Leeds scholarship competitions for 2027: <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/472-china-scholarship-council-university-of-leeds-scholarships-2027">China Scholaship Council-University of Leeds 2027</a>, <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/475-leeds-doctoral-scholarship-2027">Leeds Doctoral Scholarship 2027</a> and <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/474-leeds-access-to-research-scholarship-2027">Leeds Access to Research Scholarship 2027</a>.</p> <p>We also welcome applicants who are self funded, have secured external funding or applying to secure external funding.</p> <p><strong>Important: </strong>Please note that all costs associated with your arrival at Leeds (<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.</p> <p>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>For further information about this project, please contact Dr Peter Adams by email to <a href="mailto:EMAIL@leeds.ac.uk">p.g.adams@leeds.ac.uk</a> or by calling +44 (0)113 343 9718.</p> <p>For questions related to the application process and eligibility, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:epspgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk">epspgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>