PDRA in Protein Biochemistry and Applied Entomology

The Role

Applications are invited for a PDRA to conduct research in a collaborative project with Fundecitrus, a Brazilian association maintained by citrus growers and juice manufacturers from the State of São Paulo to foster the sustainable development of the citrus industry.

Project Title “Developing novel protein-based strategies for the control of the Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri.”

Our research group focusses on the exploitation of venom-derived neurotoxic peptides for the control of insect pests and this project builds upon an established collaboration with Fundecitrus to explore opportunities to develop new strategies for the control of the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri. D. citri is a k ey vector of the phloem-limited bacteria Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), that causes Huanglongbing, the most serious and currently incurable disease of citrus worldwide.

This role will involve the generation of expression constructs and the production, purification, and characterisation of recombinant proteins. The Artificial Intelligence platform Alpha-fold and Alpha-fold 2 will be used to design expression constructs and proteins will be expressed transiently in Nicotiana benthamiana and in Pichia pastoris by bench-top fermentation. Characterisation of protein products will involve biochemical approaches (protein purification, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting) as well as working with model insect pests (aphids and lepidopteran larvae). We a re looking for an excellent communicator, both in oral and written form, who is able to collaborate effectively with our partner organisation Fundecitrus.

In addition to this research project, the successful applicant will be expected to contribute to the day-to-day management of the laboratory as detailed in the requirements and responsibilities given below. The post is fixed term for 6 months with a possibility for further extension and the successful candidate will be working with Professor Elaine Fitches.

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