Light management strategies in marine macroalgae

Project background, aims and approach

Structural colour is common in the marine environment and the appearance of iridescent blue tips in the red alga Chondrus crispus, for example, is a familiar sight in rock pools on shores in the North Atlantic.

Structural colour is reported in the red, green and brown seaweeds and yet the phenomenon is largely unexplored in these algae. This project will study optical responses of structurally coloured algae and how these responses relate to the morphology, photosynthetic activity, microbiome, bacteriosome and phylogeny of these organisms.

The project will initially focus on red and brown seaweed species. It will include fieldwork on shores along the south coast of England, culture work, photophysiological studies (lab and field, including the use of hyperspectral imaging and PAM), molecular techniques, and microscopy (light and EM). This novel research area will also provide scope for the student to develop their own lines of research.

About the BEEP project

The BEEP project (Bio-inspired and Bionic materials for Enhanced Photosynthesis) provides research and training opportunities for early-stage researchers in the field of bio-mimetic approaches for light management.

Scientifically, BEEP aims to:

1. unravel the fundamental strategies of light management in macroalgae, corals with symbiotic microalgae and bacteria, as well as sea-slugs with sequestered chloroplasts
2. apply such knowledge for creating novel artificial and bionic photosynthetic systems

Research within the network encompasses a number of disciplines ranging from organic, inorganic, physical chemistry to the material and biological sciences. In addition, inter-sectorial collaboration is promoted through short- and long-term secondments between academic and non-academic participants.

The aim of the research programme is to provide the ESRs with the practical skills and knowledge so that they can perform top-level research, both in the academic and non-academic sectors. The network-wide training programme consists of workshops and schools. It has been specifically designed to equip the researchers with a balance of research-related and transferable skills, which will enhance their career perspectives.

The ESRs will also have the opportunity to enrol for a PhD.

Eligibility

We are looking for highly motivated researchers with an excellent academic background in Chemistry, Material Science, Biology and Physics.

Applicants must at the time of recruitment:

• Have a BSc and a MSc or equivalent in Chemistry, Physics, Biology or a related discipline
• Be in the first four years (full-time equivalent) of their research careers
• Have not been awarded a doctoral degree
• Have not resided in the country of the host beneficiary for more than 12 months in the last three years

How to apply

Please apply online using the Museum’s careers portal, providing:

• A comprehensive curriculum vitae giving details of relevant achievements in recent posts as well as your education and professional qualifications (maximum two pages)
• A covering letter that summarises your interest in this post, providing evidence of your ability to match the criteria outlined in the person specification 
• Please ensure your letter includes details of your latest salary and notice period

Application deadline: 9am 7 April 2020