Comparison of the DNA recognition and genome packaging mechanisms used by true viruses and novel selfless viruses

This project will unravel the molecular, biochemical and structural details of the mechanisms used by viruses to recognize their own genome and to package it into the viral capsid.

You will work with viruses that infect bacteria (bacteriophages) and novel selfless viruses that indiscriminately package and spread any and all DNA within a host cell with no preference for their own genome.

This project will be multidisciplinary using techniques such as mutagenesis, cloning, fluorescence imaging, flow cytometry, next generation sequencing, super-resolution microscopy, in vitro enzymatic assays, in vivo infection assays and cryo-electron microscopy.

The Department of Biology at York offers opportunities for advanced training in use of cutting-edge technologies and data analysis in R/Python.

You will also be offered varied graduate skills training together with valuable academic experience such as attendance at conferences and seminar series plus opportunities to participate in outreach activities.