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 at Liverpool University

The 10th International Consortium on SOD1 and ALS (ICOSA) meeting took place at the University in March this year, as reported by Dr Belinda Cupid, Head of Research at the MND Association UK.

RIKEN PhD Studentship in Structural Biology

The Molecular Biophysics Group has a PhD studentship available in structural biology:
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, joining other Liverpool PhD students at SPring8. For further details click here.

Opportunities for outstanding graduates from Mahidol University

We are looking for first class students for PhD studies at the University of Liverpool. Scholarships are available in a range of subjects in Health and Life Sciences, Chemical and Materials Sciences, Environmental Sciences and Structural and Molecular Biology. Closing data 31 May 2012. More details can be found by clicking here.

Three recent graduates from Mahidol University on PhD programs at Liverpool University are pictured outside the Victoria Gallery and Museum

Liverpool - Hong Kong Partnership

The Universities of Liverpool and Hong Kong are considering joint PhD programmes in Science and Engineering, and Health and Life Sciences. A delegation from University of Hong Kong (HKU) visited Liverpool, consisting of Vice President, Professor Paul Tam; Ophthalmology Professor David Wong; Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Program Director, Professor Ed X Wu and Professor Hao Quan from Hong Kong’s Department Of Physiology in the Faculty of Medicine. More details here.

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 publication in the Journal of Synchrotron Radiation which achieved the front cover, we report on the current status of automated methods in long wavelength phasing for macromolecular crystallography.

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

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.