Beyond Normal - Proteins in Alien Environments PhD 36 months PHD Program By Loughborough University |Top Universities
Subject Ranking

# 201-250QS Subject Rankings

Program Duration

36 monthsProgram duration

Tuitionfee

28,600 Tuition Fee/year

Application Deadline

10 Feb, 2025Application Deadline

Program overview

Main Subject

Engineering - Chemical

Degree

PhD

Study Level

PHD

Study Mode

On Campus

What would happen if the liquid enabling life were not water, but a class of molecules with a similar melting range known as 'ionic liquids'? Ionic liquids are, simply, liquids made of ions usually defined as having melting temperatures below 100C, for which there are millions of possible options. But the charges of these ions deliver quite different physico-chemical properties, and are able to modify the 3D-structure of proteins. 
We seek a keen researcher willing to use a mixture of experimental and computational techniques to unravel the underlying principles behind protein structure in different ionic liquids, so that we can predictively redesign both the protein landscape and target new and renewably sourced ionic liquids for applications ranging from biosensors and 3D-printed materials to healthcare. And maybe just answer the question of what life might be like if it developed in these highly-charged environments ...
As part of our team, you will develop new experimental high-throughput screening approaches, explore protein structure using computational methods including molecular dynamics, and apply machine-learning principles to solve this multi-variate puzzle. You will also have a range of opportunities to gain valuable transferrable skills (including through our doctoral college), network with international partners, and be well-set up for a role in either industry, data science or academia at the end of the programme.

Program overview

Main Subject

Engineering - Chemical

Degree

PhD

Study Level

PHD

Study Mode

On Campus

What would happen if the liquid enabling life were not water, but a class of molecules with a similar melting range known as 'ionic liquids'? Ionic liquids are, simply, liquids made of ions usually defined as having melting temperatures below 100C, for which there are millions of possible options. But the charges of these ions deliver quite different physico-chemical properties, and are able to modify the 3D-structure of proteins. 
We seek a keen researcher willing to use a mixture of experimental and computational techniques to unravel the underlying principles behind protein structure in different ionic liquids, so that we can predictively redesign both the protein landscape and target new and renewably sourced ionic liquids for applications ranging from biosensors and 3D-printed materials to healthcare. And maybe just answer the question of what life might be like if it developed in these highly-charged environments ...
As part of our team, you will develop new experimental high-throughput screening approaches, explore protein structure using computational methods including molecular dynamics, and apply machine-learning principles to solve this multi-variate puzzle. You will also have a range of opportunities to gain valuable transferrable skills (including through our doctoral college), network with international partners, and be well-set up for a role in either industry, data science or academia at the end of the programme.

Admission Requirements

3.2+
6.5+
92+
Applicants should have at least, or expect to achieve, a 1st or good 2:1 MChem, MEng, or MSci or equivalent in an appropriate scientific discipline including chemistry, physics, computing, biology, or engineering, with a background in and passion for chemical sciences.
You will join a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive research team at Loughborough led by Prof Anna K Croft, with opportunities for collaboration with other internationally leading groups in academia and industry.

10 Feb 2025
3 Years
Oct

Tuition fees

International
28,600

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