Beyond Normal - Proteins in Alien Environments
Loughborough UniversityLoughborough, United Kingdom
Course overview
What would happen if the liquid enabling life were not water, but a class of molecules with a similar melting range known as 'ionic liquids'? Ionic liquids are, simply, liquids made of ions usually defined as having melting temperatures below 100C, for which there are millions of possible options. But the charges of these ions deliver quite different physicochemical properties, and are able to modify the 3D-structure of proteins.
We seek a keen researcher willing to use a mixture of experimental and computational techniques to unravel the underlying principles behind protein structure in different ionic liquids, so that we can predictively redesign both the protein landscape and target new and renewably sourced ionic liquids for applications ranging from biosensors and 3D-printed materials to healthcare. And maybe just answer the question of what life might be like if it developed in these highly-charged environments... As part of our team, you will develop new experimental high-throughput screening approaches, explore protein structure using computational methods including molecular dynamics, and apply machine-learning principles to solve this multi-variate puzzle.
You will also have a range of opportunities to gain valuable transferrable skills (including through our doctoral college), network with international partners, and be well-set up for a role in either industry, data science or academia at the end of the programme. 94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021
Key highlights
- Investigates how ionic liquids modify the 3D structure of proteins
- Combines experimental and computational techniques, including molecular dynamics
- Develops new high-throughput experimental screening approaches
- Applies machine-learning principles to a multi-variate research problem
- Applications span biosensors, 3D-printed materials and healthcare
- Transferable skills training through the doctoral college and international networking
Entry requirements
- Degree: 2:1 — or above
Scholarships
Alumni Bursary
10% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
Up to 10% of feesAlumni Discount
UK students: £1,500 tuition fee discount for one academic year. International students: £3,000 tuition fee discount for one academic year.
Care Leaver's Scholarship
Excellence Scholarships
UK students: £3,000 off tuition fees; International students: £6,000 off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary
Our International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary offers a £12,000 tuition fee discount (set against the tuition fees of your chosen postgraduate taught programme ONLY).
Up to £12,000London 10th Anniversary Award
£5,000 off tuition fees.
Up to £5,000Loughborough Business School Scholarship
£1,500 (UK students) and £3,000 (international students) off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
MBA Progress with Purpose Scholarship
50% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
Up to 50% of feesQatari Ghanim Al-Muftah Excellence Scholarship
Careers this course leads to
- Postdoctoral research associate
- Data scientist
- Computational chemist
- Protein engineer
- Biotechnology research scientist
- University lecturer
Cost of study
UK/Home: £5,238 | International: £29,500
Admission
Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Loughborough University, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.
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