PhD Studentship: Discovery and Function of Natural Metalloprotease Inhibitors

Primary Supervisor - Dr Andrew Truman

Bacteria have evolved the ability to produce natural products with potent bioactivities, which makes these compounds excellent candidates as medicines and agrochemicals. In particular, the majority of clinically useful antibiotics come from bacteria. However, molecule rediscovery poses a problem in the search for new medicines from natural sources, while the development of antimicrobial resistance is a major problem for both existing and new antimicrobials. Genome mining represents a promising strategy to identify new molecules. Here, genomic data is used to identify pathways that are predicted to make novel compounds. Specific genetic features can be used to prioritise pathways that are predicted to make new molecules with useful biological activities.  

This project will focus on a class of molecules that inhibit metalloproteases, which are promising targets for antibiotic discovery, as well as multiple other diseases. The PhD student will use genomic data to discover new natural products and then understand how their targets are either sensitive or resistant. Understanding the mechanisms of activity and resistance could help better design antibiotics in the future. The project will span microbiology, genetics, mass spectrometry, natural product chemistry and biochemistry. This multidisciplinary project will be based in the laboratory of Dr Andrew Truman in the Department of Molecular Microbiology at the John Innes Centre, which has world-class facilities for bacterial genetics and natural product biosynthesis. Further expertise is provided by secondary supervisor Prof. Barrie Wilkinson (John Innes Centre), who is an expert in studying the biosynthesis and mechanism of action of antibiotics. This project provides an exciting opportunity to discover new bioactive molecules and develop skills across biology and chemistry, including the purification and structural elucidation of natural products. Applications are welcomed from students who are excited to work on a multidisciplinary project across the biological and chemical sciences.  

The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP) is offering fully funded studentships for October 2025 entry. The programme offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP CASE students undertake a three to 18-month placement with the non-academic partner during their study. The placement offers experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team. Students with, or expecting to attain, at least an upper second-class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply.  

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 28, 29 or 30 January 2025.   

Visit our website for further information on eligibility and how to apply: https://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk/  

Our partners value diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background. 

Funding Information

This project is awarded with a 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD DTP studentship. The studentship includes payment of tuition fees (directly to the University), a stipend to cover living expenses (2024/5 stipend rate: £19,237), and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000pa for each year of the studentship. 

Closing Date 

25 November 2024 (at 11.59 pm) 

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