Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) is a versatile structural technique that can probe biomolecules at the atomic lengthscale. In particular, solid-state NMR enables investigation on a wide range of biological materials, from whole cells to tissue samples, with the potential of studying the structure, composition, and molecular mobility of biomolecules within a native-like environment.
The research interest of the Chow lab focuses on developing new applications for solid-state NMR for investigating the extracellular matrix (ECM). The ECM is an extremely diverse class of biological materials that is often inherently insoluble and heterogeneous, making it challenging to address using more traditional approaches. Previously, our work has shed light on mechanisms of formation of hard tissue such as bone, and uncovered new routes of tissue degeneration from studying cartilage tissues from patients affected by osteoarthritis and alkaptonuria. More recent work in the Chow lab involves several collaborators at Warwick Medical School (WMS) and the University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW), focused on analysis of ECM obtained via fungal and mammalian cell culture.
This experimental PhD project is expected to align with one or a few ongoing collaborations, ranging from female reproductive health, molecular mechanism underlying Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and cell wall-based adaption strategies of the fungus Aureobasidium pullulans. In particular, the fungal adaption collaboration is recently supported by Wellcome funding with Mohan Balasubramanian of WMS.
The project aims to use solid-state NMR to bring unique insights that can be eventually translated into improved medical and clinical treatments. By working on a range of ECM samples, the student will develop skills and expertise in solid-state NMR characterisation that is transferable to a broad spectrum of biological problems. Depending on interest, the student can also be trained in the production and isotopic enrichment of one or more different types of ECMs, use complementary analysis techniques, or develop a shared database of research data for ECM samples.
This project will use the world-leading solid-state NMR facility at the University of Warwick, including the High-field National Research Facility based at Millburn House (go.warwick.ac.uk/850mhz). This project will also make use of the facilities and training offered by the Research Technology Platforms at Warwick (spectroscopy, proteomics).
This PhD studentship is available for starting in October 2027. To discuss this project further contact:
W.Ying.Chow@warwick.ac.uk
Lab website: wychowlab.org
Solid-state NMR at Warwick: go.warwick.ac.uk/NMR
Eligibility
You must have or expect at least an upper second class BSc honours, MSci or MPhys or equivalent in Physics or related subject
For students whose first language is not English, we require a score of 6.5 in IELTS or equivalent, for further information please seeEnglish Language Information & Entry Requirements (warwick.ac.uk)
How To Apply
For further information on how to apply please see our postgraduate webpage Postgraduate - Department of Physics(warwick.ac.uk)
Funding Notes
The project will provide a full UK-standard annual tax-free stipend of £ 21,830 rising with inflation, plus allocations for conference travel and consumables. A proportion of UKRI awards are allocated to international students, please also see Warwick PGR Scholarship Competitions for international funding scholarships.
