PhD in Physical Chemistry: modelling fungal cell membranes in the laboratory

About the project

About the Project We have a vacancy for a PhD student working in the area of physical chemistry. Microorganisms are found on every continent, even in some of the most inhospitable environments on Earth. Some “extremophile” fungi are even found in the ice at the bottom of glaciers, with adaptations that allow them to thrive in such difficult conditions. Extremophile fungi have unusual cell membranes and cytosol (fluid inside cells) compared to more commonplace fungi, but how these adaptations combine to allow them to resist extreme environmental stresses are not fully understood. In a changing climate such understanding is crucial, both to protect these unique species and to identify species that might one day be at risk. The Langmuir-Blodgett technique is a highly sensitive experimental method that detects small changes in “surface pressure” in films of molecules at the water surface. These changes in surface pressure can be related to the structure of the surface film. Lipid monolayers at the air-water interface often serve as a useful model for real cell membranes, allowing for interactions between the membrane and solutes to be studied in isolation and under highly controlled conditions In this project the student will construct model fungal cell membranes to understand how their properties change under external stress. By using Brewster Angle Microscopy and Langmuir-Blodgett measurements, we will identify how both the film stiffness and 2D structure changes with temperature, for different cytosolic solutes and lipid composition. The knowledge gained from this project will enable us to identify how different lipids within fungal membranes alter the membrane behaviour. In addition to LB measurements, a more detailed picture of the film structure can also be obtained from reflectivity. This project will therefore use state-of-the-art neutron and X-ray methods alongside lab-based monolayer measurements to understand these unique microorganisms. There will be opportunities to write proposals for instrument time at large scattering facilities (Diamond, ISIS etc.) and to take part in experiments that will contribute directly or indirectly to the PhD project. Informal enquiries are welcome: please contact Dr James Hallett ( j.e.hallett@reading.ac.uk ) directly and include a CV. https://www.reading.ac.uk/chemistry/staff/dr-james-hallett University of Reading: The University of Reading , located west of London, England, is ranked at 172 globally, according to the QS World University Rankings 2025. 98% of research at the University is of international standing (REF 2021, combining the University’s world leading, internationally excellent and internationally recognised submissions). The University’s main Whiteknights Campus is set in 130 hectares of beautiful, award-winning parkland, less than a 30-minute train ride to London Paddington and is approximately 30 miles from London Heathrow airport. During your PhD at the University of Reading, you will expand your research knowledge and skills, receiving supervision and training in a number of different forms. We also provide dedicated training in important transferable skills that will support your career aspirations. If you need to develop your academic English skills before you start your studies, then the University has an excellent International Study and Language Institute which can help with this. Eligibility: · Applicants should have a good bachelor’s degree (minimum of a UK Upper Second (2:1) or equivalent)/master’s degree in Chemistry, Physics or a strongly-related discipline. · International applicants will also need to meet the University’s English Language requirements. We offer pre-sessional English courses that can help with meeting these requirements. The University of Reading is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and non-discriminatory treatment for all members of its community. How to apply: Submit an application for a PhD in Chemistry via our online application system . Further information: https://www.reading.ac.uk/chemistry/phd Enquiries: Dr. James Hallett, email: j.e.hallett@reading.ac.uk

Research areas