The T5-like bacteriophages are a family of lytic bacteriophages that infect Gram-negative bacteria. We are interested in understanding the infection cycle of these phages, with particular emphasis on how they replicate their double-stranded DNA genomes. Previous studies have identified a number of phage genes that encode proteins essential for genome replication, including a DNA polymerase, primase, nuclease and ligase, but the precise functions of most of these factors remain to be elucidated.
This project is focused on understanding the biology of DNA ligase function during T5-like phage infection. DNA ligases are essential enzymes in all forms of life. The T5 ligase is highly unusual as it is encoded as a split enzyme. We wish to understand the reason behind this unique molecular architecture, and to ask whether it is related to another highly unusual feature of T5-like phage: the presence of single-stranded nicks in the packaged genome. We wish to recruit a postdoctoral research assistant (PDRA) to undertake a programme of work integrating molecular genetic analysis (employing CRISPR genome editing of the phage genome) with biochemical and structural analysis of the split ligase.
The successful applicant will have a PhD degree in the biomolecular sciences and experience in the areas of microbiology, molecular biology and biochemistry. Previous experience working with bacteriophage would be highly advantageous.
The post, which is available from 1st October 2020 for up to 2 years, is funded by the Leverhulme Trust. This project is based in the laboratory of molecular microbiologist Dr Stuart MacNeill in the BSRC at the University of St Andrews (synergy.st-andrews.ac.uk/macneill) and is a collaboration with structural biologist Dr Julia Richardson at the University of Edinburgh (richardson.bio.ed.ac.uk). You will join a well-motivated and friendly group in St Andrews working on DNA replication and genome stability in genetically tractable microbial model systems, including yeast, archaea and trypanosomes.
Informal enquiries are strongly encouraged and can be made to Dr Stuart MacNeill (e-mail: stuart.macneill@st-andrews.ac.uk).
The University is committed to equality for all, demonstrated through our working on diversity awards (ECU Athena SWAN/Race Charters; Carer Positive; LGBT Charter; and Stonewall). More details can be found at http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi/diversityawards/.
Please quote ref: AR2342SB
Closing Date: 20 July 2020
Interview Date: 3 August 2020
Further Particulars: AR2342SB FPs.doc
School of Biology
Salary: £33,797 - £40,322 per annum
Start: 1 October 2020 or as soon as possible thereafter
Fixed term for up to 2 years