PhD Studentship: Enzymatic DNA synthesis for novel nanomaterials

Award summary

100% fees covered, and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £19,237 (2024/25 UKRI rate).  

Overview

Enzymatic synthesis of designer DNA for novel nanomaterials – this project will explore how polymerase based synthetic methods of designer DNA can lead to biomaterials with exploitable chemical handles for sensing and data storage applications. DNA has long had potential as a useful nanoscale building block often by the assembly of short oligomers through sticky-ended complementary sequences. During this project alternative approaches to DNA-based nanomaterial fabrication will be explored that exploit the power of polymerase enzymes to add 1,000’s of bases a minute. Investigations will focus on the inclusion of a wide range of modified nucleotides to produce long DNA bearing multiple chemical handles for further functionalisation. The project will include training in standard molecular biology techniques, exposure to recent advances in DNA sequencing and to nanoscale material characterisation through Atomic Force Microscopy. Expected applications of the designer DNA nanomaterials are in arenas as broad as biomolecule sensing and data storage. 

Number of awards 

1 

Start date  

16th September 2024 

Award duration 

3 years 

Application closing date 

8th May 2024 

Sponsor 

This studentship is funded by EPSRC DTP. 

Name of supervisor/s 

Dr Andrew Pike and Dr Tom McAllister  

Eligibility Criteria

You should have, or expect to gain, a 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed PhD project or have evidence of additional postgraduate study. Enthusiasm for research, the ability to think and work independently, excellent analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are also essential requirements.  

Home and international applicants (inc. EU) are welcome to apply and if successful will receive a full studentship. Applicants whose first language is not English require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills.  

International applicants may require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate prior to obtaining their visa and to study on this programme.  

How to apply

You must apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal  

Once registered select ‘Create a Postgraduate Application’.   

Use ‘Course Search’ to identify your programme of study:   

• search for the ‘Course Title’ using the programme code: 8100F
• Research Area: Chemistry
• select PhD Chemistry (full time) as the programme of study

You will then need to provide the following information in the ‘Further Details’ section:   

• a ‘Personal Statement’ (this is a mandatory field) – upload a document or write a statement directly in to the application form
• the relevant studentship code SNES292 in the ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ field
• when prompted for how you are providing your research proposal – select ‘Write Proposal’. You should then type in the title of the research project from this advert. You do not need to upload a research proposal.

You must submit one application per studentship, you cannot apply for multiple studentships on one application 

Contact Details

Dr Andrew Pike – andrew.pike@newcastle.ac.uk