University College London
Job title:
PhD Studentship in Statistical Physics of Molecular Evolution (3.5 years)
Company
University College London
Job description
About us
The Husain lab at UCL is based in the Biological Physics group in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. The Department is one of the UK’s leading departments in its field with a large, international research community. The Biological Physics group consists of >10 labs undertaking experimental, computational, and theoretical research in the physics of life. The group maintains strong connections with the Institute for the Physics of Living Systems (IPLS), as well as collaborations with bioscience research groups on campus and in the wider London area.
As a hybrid theory-experiment lab, our overall research focus is to understand how the physics of biology determines its evolution. We study the products of natural evolution, as well as designing and implementing laboratory ‘directed evolution’ protocols. Our interests are in biophysical signatures of evolvability, and in predicting how evolution reshapes them. Tools include statistical physics approaches to analyse high-dimensional evolutionary landscapes, combined with molecular evolution experiments and data analysis. More information can be found at https://kabirhusain.github.io/
About the role
A 3.5 year PhD position is available from October 2024 to work under the supervision of Dr Kabir Husain. This is an exciting opportunity to join an interdisciplinary research group that uses tools from theoretical physics to analyse, predict, and design evolutionary fates in biology.
In this PhD project, the student will combine techniques from statistical physics, population genetics, and molecular evolution to build predictive theories of protein evolution. These will be applied to bioinformatic and laboratory ‘directed evolution’ data.
Possible topics include the rewiring of specificity in molecular evolution, the evolution of complexity in biomolecular interactions, or the encoding of time in biology. We are open to the student formulating their own project, as long as it is aligned with the group’s overall activities. Depending on mutual interest, the student will also be trained to carry out experimental evolution in yeast or bacterial platforms.
The start date is 1st October 2024.
About you
The successful applicant should expect to achieve a 1st or 2.1 MSci degree in Physics, Quantitative biology, or a related subject. A strong mathematical background, interest in biophysical theory, and strong analytical skills are required. Excellent communication skills in English and the ability to collaborate with other scientists is needed. The ideal candidate is looking for a combination of theory- and/or data-driven work that interfaces with molecular biology and evolution experiments.
If you have any queries about this studentship, please contact Dr Kabir Husain at [email protected]
Please submit applications in the following format:
- A CV, including full details of all University course grades to date.
- Contact details for two academic or professional referees (at least one academic).
- A personal statement (750 words maximum) outlining (i) your suitability for the project with reference to the criteria in the person specification, (ii) what you hope to achieve from the PhD and (iii) your research experience to-date.
Please include a contact telephone number and an email address where you can be easily reached. References will be taken up for all short-listed candidates.
Please send electronic applications to: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospectivestudents/graduate/apply
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
What we offer
The studentship will cover all university fees and includes funds for maintenance at the standard UK rate and for participation in international conferences and workshops. The studentship covers UK Home fees which are available for UK citizens or those who have settled status in the UK.
You can contact the UCL Graduate Admissions Office for advice should you be unsure whether or not you meet the eligibility criteria for Home fee status. Further information on Brexit and the definitions for fee status assessment can be found on the UCL website and also the UKCISA website (Higher Education: Definitions for fee status assessment).
Please refer to the following website for eligibility criteria: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/research-degrees/physics-and-astronomy-mphil-phd
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
At London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.
You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/
Please do not click the ‘Apply Now’ button next to the advert. Applications on TalentLink will not be looked at.
Expected salary
Location
North West London
Job date
Fri, 19 Jan 2024 08:03:34 GMT
To help us track our recruitment effort, please indicate in your email/cover letter where (jobsnear.org) you saw this job posting.