Pushing the Resolution Limits of High-Speed Atomic Force Microscopy

Understanding the structural dynamics of complex molecules is vital to advancing our knowledge of materials, medicine and diseases, yet there are few techniques which can capture motions at high enough speeds or resolution to understand the underlying behaviour. High-Speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM) allows us to video, with sub-nanometre resolution, molecules in action at greater than 10 frames per second whilst in liquid environments. However, many important dynamics occur much faster than this, the newly developed height spectroscopy mode of AFM allows motions to be measured at 100,000 times per second. The height spectroscopy method can be applied to study the diffusion of many molecules or the structural dynamics of an individual molecule. The spatial resolution of AFM is limited the by interaction area between the tip and sample. To improve spatial resolution we have taken inspiration from super resolution microscopy methods and developed localization AFM to obtain 4 angstrom resolution on protein surfaces.<br /> <br /> In this PhD you will learn, utilise and develop HS-AFM height spectroscopy and localization AFM techniques with the aim to push past current experimental limits to study molecules including proteins at previously inaccessible time and length scales. To perform these experiments, you will develop new algorithms and analysis methods and apply theory and computation to obtain quantitative information about kinetic behaviour at the single molecule level. You will apply these methods to answer a number of possible biophysical and biomedical questions with researchers across multiple fields including Medicine, Biology, Physics and Chemistry.<br />

<p>References:<br /> 1. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Heath, G. R., Kots, E., Robertson, J. L., Lansky, S., Khelashvili, G., Weinstein, H., and Scheuring, S. (2021). Localization atomic force microscopy. Nature, 594(7863), 385-390.<br /> 2.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Heath, G. R., and Scheuring, S. (2018). High-speed AFM height spectroscopy reveals &micro;s-dynamics of unlabeled biomolecules. Nature communications, 9(1), 1-11.</p>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University&#39;s website</a>. Please state clearly in Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for <em><strong>PHD Physics &amp; Astronomy FT</strong></em> and&nbsp;in the research information section&nbsp;that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Pushing the Speed Limits of High-Speed Atomic Force Microscopy</strong></em>&nbsp;as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/physics/staff/6132/dr-george-heath">Dr&nbsp;George Heath</a> as your proposed supervisor.</p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University&#39;s minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p style="margin-bottom:11px"><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> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis. &nbsp;Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisor for an informal discussion before making a formal application. &nbsp;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>Please note that you must provide the following documents at the point you submit your application:</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> <li>If non-UK &ndash;&nbsp;funding information including any alternative sources of funding that you are applying for or if you are able to pay your own fees and maintenance</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</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>Funded (UK only)</strong><br /> A highly competitive School of Physics &amp; Astronomy Studentship awards an annual tax-free stipend of &pound;17,668 (based on the 2022/23 stipend rate). The award will also cover the academic fees. Funding is only available to applicants eligible for UK fee-rated status.</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">This opportunity is open to all applicants. All candidates will be placed into the School of Physics &amp; Astronomy Studentship Competition and selection is based on academic merit.<br /> &nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><strong>Self-Funded or externally sponsored international students are welcome to apply -</strong>&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/102-bell-burnell-scholarship-award-awarded-by-the-iop">Bell Burnell Scholarship Award</a>&nbsp;is available to support applicants who are from groups that are currently under-represented in physics (awarded by the IOP).&nbsp; &nbsp;The&nbsp;<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>&nbsp;is available to nationals of China. The&nbsp;<a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/73-leeds-marshall-scholarship">Leeds Marshall Scholarship</a>&nbsp;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.&nbsp;<strong>Important:</strong>&nbsp; Any costs associated with your arrival at the University of Leeds to start your PhD including flights, immigration health surcharge/medical insurance and Visa costs are <strong>not</strong> covered under these studentships.&nbsp;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 on the project do not hesitate to contact any of the project supervisors by email (e.g. George Heath at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:p.g.adams@leeds.ac.uk">g.r.heath@leeds.ac.uk</a>). We are always happy to discuss scientific questions with pro-active candidates. For details on how to apply and admin arrangements, please contact Doctoral College Admissions by email:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:EMAIL@leeds.ac.uk">m</a><a href="mailto:maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk">aps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk</a>.</p>