A better understanding of photosynthesis is necessary for humanity to withstand climate change. Part of this will require manipulation of photosynthetic bacteria (cyanobacteria) for production of high value compounds, or to directly generate electricity. To do this, it is essential to understand how they adjust and manipulate their energy harvesting and bioenergetic apparatus. For several years we have been studying the molecular mechanisms by which cyanobacteria efficiently harness and use light in dim conditions, while protecting themselves from damage at high irradiance (Schorsch et al. PNAS doi: 10.1073/pnas.1810379115; Richardson et al., 2021 Nat Comm: doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-25527-1.). We have generated new mutants in which these pathways are perturbed, resulting in surprising phenotypes, and this research project will use a combination of molecular genetics, spectroscopy, high resolution microscopy and electrochemistry to measure flux through different pathways and identify how this can be redirected in a controlled manner.
This approach will be complemented by computational methods currently being used to generate a fundamental model of the system in the laboratory of the Co-I (Duffy) to push the limits of scientific understanding.
Dr Guy Hanke is head of the Plants and Photosynthesis Research group at QMUL, which consists of 5 research groups forming an international center of excellence for photosynthesis research. We aim to push the boundaries of knowledge about how this paramount biological process can be modified and harnessed for the benefit of mankind. As such, the candidate will receive training from experts in not only genetics and biochemistry, but also the use of state of the art biophysical techniques and high-resolution microscopy, in order to probe photosynthetic mechanisms. An industrial partner is in place to leverage any discoveries of potential Biotechnological impact.
Find out more about the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences on our website.
We are looking for candidates to have or expecting to receive a first or upper-second class honours degree and a Master’s degree in an area relevant to the project such as microbiology, molecular biology, plant sciences or biochemistry
Knowledge of coding and spectroscopy would be highly advantageous but are not required.
You must meet the IELTS requirements for your course and upload evidence before CSC’s application deadline, ideally by 1st March 2025. You are therefore strongly advised to sit an approved English Language test as soon as possible, where your IELTS test must still be valid when you enrol for the programme.
Please find further details on our English Language requirements page.
Formal applications must be submitted through our online form by 29th January 2025 for consideration. Please identify yourself as a ‘CSC Scholar’ in the funding section of the application.
Applicants are required to submit the following documents:
Find out more about our application process on our SBBS website.
Informal enquiries about the project can be sent to Dr Guy Hanke AT g.hanke@qmul.ac.uk Admissions-related queries can be sent to sbbs-pgadmissions@qmul.ac.uk
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for a formal interview by the supervisor. If you are successful in your QMUL application, then you will be issued an QMUL Offer Letter, conditional on securing a CSC scholarship along with academic conditions still required to meet our entry requirements.
Once applicants have obtained their QMUL Offer Letter, they should then apply to CSC for the scholarship with the support of the supervisor.
For further information, please go to the QMUL China Scholarship Council webpage.
Apply Online