The School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences at Queen Mary is one of the UK’s elite research centres, according to the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF). We offer a multi-disciplinary research environment and have approximately 180 PhD students working on projects in the biological and psychological sciences. Our students have access to a variety of research facilities supported by experienced staff, as well as a range of student support services.
Our PhD students become part of Queen Mary’s Doctoral College which provides training and development opportunities, advice on funding, and financial support for research. Our students also have access to a Researcher Development Programme designed to help recognise and develop key skills and attributes needed to effectively manage research, and to prepare and plan for the next stages of their career.
The successful candidate will receive a comprehensive training in molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics and plant physiology techniques.
Oxygenic photosynthetic organisms are equipped with a vital component known as Photosystem II (PSII). This powerhouse possesses the remarkable ability to split water molecules by extracting their electrons and channeling them into the electron transport chain. This electron resource is virtually limitless, giving these organisms a unique advantage. However, this advantage comes with a challenge. To safeguard the PSII reaction center from damage caused by intense light, these organisms must effectively coordinate the delivery of excitation energy and electron flow through PSII. To address this, PSII has developed a fascinating mechanism known as non-photochemical chlorophyll fluorescence quenching, or NPQ.
NPQ is triggered by a proton gradient across the photosynthetic membrane (ΔpH) and primarily occurs within the major light-harvesting complex LHCII, as demonstrated by previous research. However, the exact role of the minor LHCII complexes, CP24, CP26, and CP29, remains a subject of ongoing debate. Some scientists have proposed a direct involvement of these minor complexes in NPQ, while others suggest that their role is limited and primarily serves as a link between LHCII and the core complex of PSII. Notably, CP26 and CP29 complexes have been found to possess lumen-exposed DCCD binding amino acids, indicative of a proton channel.
The function of this channel continues to be a mystery. Importantly, plants lacking CP26 and CP29 exhibit reduced PSII efficiency and alterations in the electron transport rate at the PSII acceptor site. Furthermore, the structural analysis of the PSII supercomplex reveals a direct interaction between the N-terminus of CP29 and the N-terminus of the PSII reaction center D1 protein, which carries the electron acceptor site.
This research project aims to explore the intriguing possibility of an as-yet-undiscovered feedback mechanism. This potential mechanism would directly link the minor LHCII antenna with the efficiency of electron transport in PSII, distinct from the well-known NPQ mechanism.
The student involved in this project will receive comprehensive training in a wide range of biochemical, spectroscopic, and plant molecular biology and physiology techniques, making this an exciting opportunity for scientific exploration and discovery.
This studentship is open to students applying for China Scholarship Council funding. Queen Mary University of London has partnered with the China Scholarship Council (CSC) to offer a joint scholarship programme to enable Chinese students to study for a PhD programme at Queen Mary. Under the scheme, Queen Mary will provide scholarships to cover all tuition fees, whilst the CSC will provide living expenses for 4 years and one return flight ticket to successful applicants.
Applicants must be:- Chinese students with a strong academic background.- Students holding a PR Chinese passport.- Either be resident in China at the time of application or studying overseas.- Students with prior experience of studying overseas (including in the UK) are eligible to apply. Chinese QMUL graduates/Masters’ students are therefore eligible for the scheme.Please refer to the CSC website for full details on eligibility and conditions on the scholarship.
Applicants from outside of the UK are required to provide evidence of their English Language ability. Please see our English Language requirements page for details: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/international-students/englishlanguagerequirements/postgraduateresearch/
Informal enquiries about the project can be sent to Professor Alexander Ruban, a.ruban@qmul.ac.uk
Formal applications must be submitted through our online form by 31st January 2024 for consideration, including a CV, personal statement and qualifications. You must meet the IELTS/ English Language requirements for your course and submit all required documentation (including evidence of English Language) by 14th March 2024. You are therefore strongly advised to sit an approved English Language test as soon as possible.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for a formal interview by the supervisor. If you are successful in your application, then you will be issued an QMUL Offer Letter, conditional on securing a CSC scholarship along with academic conditions still required to meet our entry requirements. Once applicants have obtained their QMUL Offer Letter, they should then apply to CSC for the scholarship by in March 2024 with the support of the supervisor.
Only applicants who are successful in their application to CSC can be issued an unconditional offer and enrol on our PhD programme. For further information, please go to: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/scholarships/items/china-scholarship-council-scholarships.html
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