Molecular Biophysics Group

We are engaged in structural biology research utilising all of the X-ray techniques (protein crystallography, small angle scattering and XAS), neutron scattering, numerous biophysical methods (including EPR and single crystal spectroscopies) and computational approaches (molecular dynamics). Our research interests include molecules involved in neurodegenerative diseases, tuberculosis, malaria, drug metabolism, NO-signalling and the nitrogen cycle. We are also engaged in method developments including use of combined methods (structural and spectroscopic), X-ray radiolysis, limiting radiation damage, sample delivery for X-ray free electron lasers and sulphur phasing.

Recent Scientific Advances in MND Research - 6 March 2012 Liverpool University

We are organising a one day MND research meeting on behalf of the International Consortium on SOD and ALS (ICOSA), supported by the MND Association.

PhD Studentships in Structural and Computational Biology

The Molecular Biophysics Group has two PhD studentships available:
(1) Multi-scale simulation applications to amyloid formation in neurodegenerative disease. This project is focused on protein molecular dynamics and involves partnerships with the Institute of High Performance Computing in A*Star Singapore and with the Computational Science and Engineering Department at SFTC Daresbury Laboratory. The student will have the opportunity of working at both of these research centres as well as at the University of Liverpool, with up to two years being spent working at A*Star in Singapore. For further details click here.
(2) Structural studies of the quinol dependent nitric oxide reductase (qNOR) from A. xylosoxidans. Nitric oxide reductase (NOR) is a membrane-integrated, iron-containing enzyme involved in the microbial denitrification process. The NO pathway is critical for the life cycle of this opportunistic pathogen. This project involves a partnership with the RIKEN-Harima laboratories in Japan. These are co-located with the world’s largest synchrotron facility (SPring-8) and world’s second X-ray laser (SACLA) and the student will have the opportunity to work in Japan for 2 years. For further details click here.

The Duncan Norman Research Scholarship

This scholarship enables students who hold a first class honours degree (or equivalent) and also have the personal qualities to make them leaders in society, to pursue PhD study in any department at the University. The scholarship is available to all prospective full-time postgraduate research students, irrespective of nationality or tuition fee status, and provides a generous package of funding and research support. See the Duncan Norman website for details

Research Associate/Fellow: Position Now Available

The Molecular Biophysics Group at the Institute of Integrative Biology (IIB) has established a new Crystallographic & SAXS Laboratory (the Barkla X-ray Laboratory of Biophysics). We are looking for an individual who wishes to establish themselves as an independent academic. The post is available for 2 years initially. Click here for details on how to apply.

Celebratory Symposium and Barkla Laboratory Opening

A symposium was held at the University of Liverpool on 21st July 2011 to celebrate the award of an honorary degree to Professor Sir Tom Blundell, founder of Astex Therapeutics and for the opening of the university's new 'Barkla X-ray laboratory of Biophysics'. Photographs from the event can be found by clicking here.

Research News

In a recent PNAS publication we reveal how organisms avoid poisoning by the carbon monoxide that is produced by normal cellular processes.

Professor Ryoji Noyori, Nobel Prize winner and President of RIKEN, signed an agreement for a joint international graduate programme that will enable PhD students studying biological and physical sciences at Liverpool to spend up to two years working at one of RIKEN’s institutes.

The RIKEN-Liverpool Structural Genomics programme has been highlighted in the IUCr Newsletter

Dr. Jian Liu at Xi'an Jiatong-Liverpool University will collaborate with Prof. Hasnain on interdisciplinary research in neurodegenerative disease with a PhD position jointly between the two universities.

Partnership PhD scholarships at the University of Liverpool

The University of Liverpool in partnership with two Spanish research institutes, CIC bioGUNE in Bilbao and CIC biomaGUNE in San Sebastián, have established two inter-disciplinary 4-year PhD studentships per year where the successful candidate will spend two years in Spain and two in Liverpool. The studentships are open to candidates from any European country, including Spain and the UK. These studentships form part of the University’s International Graduate Programme.

In future years, these scholarships will be opened to any areas covered by the two institutes. Investigators in Liverpool are encouraged to explore synergies so that there is strong field of projects when the call will be announced in autumn 2011 for October 2012 start.

CIC bioGUNE and CIC biomaGUNE are comprehensive Biosciences and Bionanomaterials research institutions of Spain.

Samar Hasnain, Steve Holloway, Prof Jose Mato Director General of Cic bioGUNE and cic biomaGUNE and Prof Martin Lomas, Director of cic biomaGUNE.

Marie Curie Fellowships

The EU operates the Marie Curie Individual fellowship scheme to promote mobility of Early Career researchers. Candidates are welcome in any of the areas covered by academics in the group. We are particularly looking for Fellows with interests in:
(a) structural biology of membrane proteins, particularly ion transporters
(b) structural biology of proteins involved in neurodegenerative diseases
(c) structure-based approaches to therapeutic solutions
(d) development of new approaches for X-ray methods including phasing, radiolysis and molecular visualization using X-ray free electron lasers
The applications are for two year fellowships to move from one member country to another, with the stipulation a) that there is no previous strong association of the person to new host country, in terms of having worked there in the recent past b) that the person either has a PhD, or has four years postgraduate research experience at the point of application. Note, you do not have to be an EU citizen to benefit from this scheme - what is required is that you currently reside in the EU.