Understanding molecular wires involved in enhancing bacterial electricity. (CLARKE_U26DTP3)
Key details
- Application Deadline
- 30 July 2026 (11:59pm UK Time)
- Location
- UEA
- Funding Type
- Competition Funded (Home students only)
- Start Date
- 1 October 2026
- Mode of Study
- Full Time
- Programme Type
- PhD
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Project Description
Primary supervisor: Thomas Clarke(opens in a new window)
Bacteria that can produce electricity are being intensively researched due to their potential applications in metal recovery, desalination and enhanced fermentation. The model microorganism Geobacter sulfurreducens is one of the most efficient producers of bioelectricity, and the current production has been linked a single extABCD gene cluster. Our preliminary characterisation of the products of this gene cluster reveals that it contains 3 cytochromes with unique and distinct heme clusters. This project aims to fully understand the properties of these cytochromes through a range of structural and spectroscopic studies, with a view to better understanding how this gene cluster can support large electrical currents. The student will join an active lab with considerable expertise in the handling of these types of cytochromes, and will be trained in a range of different techniques, including protein expression and purification, UV spectroscopy, Protein film voltammetry, X-ray crystallography and Cryo-EM, as well as a range of other biochemical and biophysical techniques.
The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP) is offering fully funded studentships for October 2026 entry. The programme offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP students undertake a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS) during their study. The placement offers exciting and invaluable work experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team.
This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 25 or 26 August 2026.
Visit our website for further information on eligibility and how to apply. Please note the guidance for the programme Personal and Research Statements, which the programme template documents must be used in the application. https://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk/.
Our partners value diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background.
To maximise accessibility and attract students from underrepresented groups to our programme we use bespoke templates for applicant Personal and Research statements which will enable every applicant to fully represent themselves through providing suitable examples and evidence. These forms are on the NRPDTP website(opens in a new window) only and must be used for these sections of the application form.
Entry Requirements
At least a 2:1 Bachelor's degree.
Funding
This project is awarded with a 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD DTP studentship. The studentship includes payment of tuition fees (directly to the University), a stipend to cover living expenses (2026/7 stipend rate: £21,805), and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000pa for each year of the studentship.
References
Jimenez Otero, F., et al., Evidence of a Streamlined Extracellular Electron Transfer Pathway from Biofilm Structure, Metabolic Stratification, and Long-Range Electron Transfer Parameters. Appl Environ Microbiol, 2021. 87(17): p. e0070621
Clarke, T.A., Plugging into bacterial nanowires: a comparison of model electrogenic organisms. Curr Opin Microbiol, 2022. 66: p. 56-62.
Edwards, M.J., et al., The Crystal Structure of a Biological Insulated Transmembrane Molecular Wire. Cell, 2020. 181(3): p. 665-673 e10.
Characterization of the inner membrane cytochrome ImcH from Geobacter reveals its importance for extracellular electron transfer and energy conservation.
Pimenta AI et al. 2023 (11):e4796. doi: 10.1002/pro.4796.
Richardson, D.J., et al., The 'porin-cytochrome' model for microbe-to-mineral electron transfer. Mol Microbiol, 2012. 85(2): p. 201-12