Phd Student Vacancy

6 months ago


Dundee, United Kingdom The James Hutton Institute Full time

**Background**

Plants form the basis of human nutrition but crop yields are increasingly under threat from climate change and the associated shifts in pathogen distributions. Plant viruses are major crop pathogens which cause $60 billion annual damage to the global agri-economy and threaten sustainable food production. When spreading through a host plant, all plant viruses must overcome the barrier of the plant cell wall. To this end, they encode so-called movement proteins, which mediate the transport of viral RNA genomes through plasmodesmata, membranous intercellular channels with a diameter of only a few nanometers. The mechanism by which this transport occurs is still not understood, in part because to date, no structural information is available for any of the viral movement proteins. This project will address this issue by structurally and biophysically characterising the RNA transport system of a model plant virus.

**Project details**

Our recent research has established approaches to characterise movement proteins _in vitro_ and established a model for the transport mechanism. The project will extend on these findings to

1) Produce suitable protein samples, obtain cryo-electron microscopy data sets and solve the protein structure.

2) Guided by recent advances in protein structure prediction (AlphaFold2), analyse the behaviour of point-mutated protein variants using a combination of biophysical approaches _in vitro_ and STED super-resolution imaging _in vivo_ and _in vitro_.

**Training opportunities and student experience**

The student will work within three friendly and enthusiastic research teams and receive extensive experience in molecular biology, protein production and purification, biochemistry, biophysical methods, electron microscopy (cryo-EM and negative stain) and advanced fluorescence imaging (STED super-resolution microscopy).

The University of St Andrews is the oldest university in Scotland and consistently ranked as amongst the UK's top ten universities, currently ranked top in both, the Guardian University Guide and the Times University Guide, as well as 1st for student satisfaction in the Complete University Guide. The James Hutton Institute, Dundee, is a world-leading plant research center which offers comprehensive plant growth facilities and a state-of-the-art imaging suite. The student will be embedded in a highly stimulating and interactive research environment with free access to extensive career and transferable skills programmes.
- Relevant references_

Tilsner _et al_. (2014) Plant Virus Movement. In: eLS. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd: Chichester. DOI: 10.1002/9780470015902.a0020711.pub2

Tilsner _et al_. (2013) Replication and trafficking of a plant virus are coupled at the entrances of plasmodesmata. J Cell Biol 201, 981-995. DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201

The James Hutton Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

The James Hutton Institute is a: Stonewall Diversity Champion; Athena SWAN Bronze Status Holder; Disability Confident Committed Employer and a Living Wage Employer.

The James Hutton Institute is Happy to Talk Flexible Working.


  • Phd Student Vacancy

    6 months ago


    Dundee, United Kingdom The James Hutton Institute Full time

    **Background** Plants are inherently plastic organisms, and this property is critical for their survival. Their general body plan is genetically encoded, but plant architecture can be modified to adjust to the environment that surrounds it. In this sense, external cues, such as light, have a profound effect on the way a plant grows and develops, ultimately...

  • PhD Student Vacancy

    3 weeks ago


    Dundee, United Kingdom The James Hutton Institute Full time

    BackgroundTo effectively protect natural habitats and biodiversity, accurate and up-to-date information is required on species and ecosystems to allow data driven evidence-based strategies for managing habitats and conserving species. Peatlands are a globally scarce yet highly valuable habitat in terms of carbon storage and biodiversity. Scotland consists of...

  • Café Assistant

    5 months ago


    Dundee, United Kingdom Dundee Vacancy Full time

    **BASIC DISCLOSURE SCOTLAND APPLICATION REQUIRED** We are looking for a confident, friendly, trustworthy, bubbly personality to join our small, close-knit team based within a high-profile business environment in Dundee City Centre (DD1) The role will involve till operation, serving customers with a smile, stock replenishment, basic food preparation for...


  • Dundee, Dundee City, United Kingdom University of Dundee Full time

    We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced academic to lead our Jewellery & Metal Design programme and contribute to the excellence in teaching and research within the Dundee College of Art and Design.The successful candidate will be expected to take an active role in the teaching of our successful Jewellery & Metal Design courses, contributing to the...


  • Dundee, Dundee City, United Kingdom University of Dundee Full time

    We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Research Scientist to join our prestigious research team at the University of Dundee's MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit (MRC-PPU).This exciting opportunity is part of a new academic-industrial global initiative supported by the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, aiming to explore and...


  • Dundee, Dundee City, United Kingdom Abertay University Full time

    Cybersecurity Opportunities at Abertay UniversityAbertay University is a pioneering institution in the field of cybersecurity, recognized globally for its cutting-edge research and innovative approaches.We are seeking an exceptional individual to join our team as a Cybersecurity Expert by Research. As part of our esteemed Graduate School, you will have the...


  • Dundee, Dundee City, United Kingdom NHS Scotland Full time

    NHS Scotland is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and promoting equality and diversity among its employees.We welcome applications from individuals with a range of backgrounds and experiences who share our goal of providing high-quality healthcare services.The NHS Tayside has a part-time vacancy for a specialty dentist in Paediatric...


  • Dundee, United Kingdom NHS Scotland Full time

    NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.NHS Tayside has a vacancy for...

  • Counsellor

    5 months ago


    Dundee, United Kingdom Abertay University Full time

    **Counsellor** **Part Time, 14 hours per week** **Fixed Term (for a period of 12 months)** **Grade 6 (£30,487 - £36,024)** Abertay is a modern university with a global outlook, rooted in its local and national communities. We have made our mark with high quality, well-directed teaching and research, and a stimulating and enriching experience for our...


  • Dundee, Dundee City, United Kingdom NHS National Services Scotland Full time

    NHS Scotland is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment, where every employee feels valued and empowered to contribute their best. To this end, we welcome applications from talented individuals who share our vision.NHS Tayside has a part-time vacancy for a specialist dentist in Paediatric Dentistry, with a focus on delivering...

  • Site manager

    1 month ago


    Dundee, United Kingdom CV-Library Full time

    Site manager Pay: £260 / £270 per day Site manager Location: Dundee Duration:1 year Start Date: 28/10/2024 One of our established clients are currently looking for a site manager to oversee a 7 storey office renovation into student accomodations. The right person will be actively involved with oveseeing tradesmen, ensuring HSE is...


  • Dundee, Dundee City, United Kingdom University of Dundee Full time

    Research Opportunity at the University of DundeeWe are seeking a highly motivated and experienced senior postdoctoral researcher to join our team at the University of Dundee's MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit (MRC-PPU). The successful candidate will be part of a global initiative supported by the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's...

  • Senior Physics Expert

    1 month ago


    Dundee, Dundee City, United Kingdom Outlier Full time

    Job OpportunityOutlier is seeking a skilled Physics professional to contribute to the development of AI models. As a Physics expert, you will play a crucial role in helping us improve our AI models by providing high-quality human feedback.About the opportunity:We are looking for talented Physics experts to help train generative artificial intelligence...

  • Maintenance Assistant

    5 months ago


    Dundee, United Kingdom Bridge of Hope Full time

    Title: Maintenance Assistant Location: Dundee, Scotland Position Type: 5 month contract **Job Description**: We are currently seeking a Maintenance Assistant to join our team at a student accommodation facility in Dundee. The Maintenance Assistant will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation and upkeep of our premises, ensuring a comfortable...


  • Dundee, Dundee City, United Kingdom NHS Scotland Full time

    NHS Scotland VacancyA rare opportunity has emerged for a skilled Occupational Therapist to join our Rheumatology and Hand Therapy service in Ninewells Hospital. This exciting Band 6 permanent post involves working 37 hours per week, comprising three days in Rheumatology and two days in Hand Therapy.We are looking for an individual with a passion for physical...


  • Dundee, Dundee City, United Kingdom NHS Scotland Full time

    NHS Scotland is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, promoting equality and eliminating unlawful discrimination. Our goal is to create a truly representative team where each employee feels valued and empowered to excel.Are you passionate about Renal dietetics and eager to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team dedicated to improving...

  • Dietitian Specialist

    4 weeks ago


    Dundee, Dundee City, United Kingdom NHS Scotland Full time

    NHS Scotland is a pioneering healthcare provider dedicated to promoting equality and diversity within its workforce, and eliminating unlawful discrimination.The organization strives to create a truly representative workforce where each employee feels respected and valued, allowing them to deliver their best.To achieve this, NHS Scotland welcomes applications...