Proteins are biomacromolecules that play an essential role in life processes spanning from metabolic process regulation, cellular information exchange, cell-cycle control, and molecular transport to protection from the environment.  In biomedicine, for example, proteins are of great interest as disease biomarkers and have the potential to identify the risk of disease or allow the early detection for more effective treatments.  In recent years, protein biochips have emerged as promising proteomic and diagnostic tools for obtaining information about protein functions and interactions.  Important technological innovations have been made; however, in order to fully realize the potential of protein biochips considerable development is still required, especially regarding protein immobilisation onto surfaces.

The discovery of molecules that bind tightly and selectively to proteins continues to drive innovation at the interface of chemistry and biology.  The combination of synthetic supramolecular systems with proteins for example, allows the controlled study of proteins and provides an independent opportunity to modulate protein movement and conformation.  This PhD project is focused upon the design and synthesis of dynamic surfaces that exploit supramolecular-protein interactions and facilitate the controlled movement of proteins on a surface. This project is truly multi-disciplinary and the student will therefore receive training in a wide range of scientific and generic research skills including; nanotechnology, organic synthesis, supramolecular chemistry, surface/electrochemistry and working with proteins.

The candidate is expected to hold a first class degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Material Science and have experience within the synthesis/ purification of target compounds and be familiar with characterisation techniques, including; NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry.  Previous experience/ knowledge of working with proteins and/or surfaces is desirable but not essential.  Applications including CV and detailed education with grades should be addressed to Professor Paula Mendes (p.m.mendes<στο>bham.ac.uk).