Structural Biology PhD

University of Liverpool

Our structural biology research explores the molecular architecture of life, from microorganisms to complex organisms, in both healthy and diseased states. By uncovering the three-dimensional structures of biomolecules using state-of-the-art biophysical approaches ranging from X-ray crystallography, NMR and cryo-EM, we aim to advance understanding of biological processes, driving discoveries in medicine, biotechnology, and fundamental life sciences.IntroductionThe Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology (ISMIB) was established to integrate cutting-edge and clinical research across the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences. Programmes of work across ISMIB are varied and are led by world experts in their fields.Our structural biology research mainly occurs in the Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, which has excelled in teaching and research since 1902, when the world’s first Chair of Biochemistry was established in Liverpool. Our integration of biochemical research with systems-based studies, including multiomics, data analysis, structural biology, synthetic biology, and artificial intelligence, makes us a global leader. This is further supported by top-tier shared research facilities and our commitment to sharing discoveries.In our structural biology research we use mathematical modelling, X-ray crystallography, small angle X-ray scattering, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), and cross-linking mass spectrometry, to tackle key structural biology questions. Our structural biology research is supported by world-class facilities, including the High-Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Facility, GeneMill synthetic biology and protein production facility, Centre for Proteome Research, and Barkla X-ray Laboratory of Biophysics.Research topicsTopics relevant to structural biology include:BioinformaticsBiochemistryEnzymologyPlant biochemistryBiotechnologyStructural biologyComputational biologyChemical biologyMultiomicsSystems biologyNutritional biochemistry.