PhD Biochemistry
Research in our School of Life Sciences covers a wide spectrum of biology from genes to ecosystems, and this broad-based structure provides opportunities for developing novel ideas and inter-disciplinary projects. We offer supervision in all areas of staff expertise in biochemistry, and our projects encompass studies of fundamental biochemical mechanisms as well as the biochemical basis of disease states.
As a research student at Essex, you will work at the heart of our internationally acknowledged, well-resourced and well-connected research community. We offer world-class supervision and training opportunities, and encourage you to engage with other researchers, professionals, practitioners and research users, where possible, for example using the generous funding from Proficio to attend conferences and training courses.
Part-time research study is also available. You can start this degree in October, January or April. An MPhil and MSD are also available.
- We have an international reputation for outstanding teaching and research, with the latter reflected in the large number of publications in high-profile journals.
- You will be part of our collaborative Research Groups that work on important international and national problems using cutting-edge techniques.
- We provide a supportive research and training environment. In particular, the Annual Graduate Forum provides an opportunity to showcase your findings as a poster, presentation or by organising the event at the end of your first, second and third year, respectively.
Our expert staff
Within our School of Life Sciences, you will be allocated a supervisor whose role it is to guide you through the different stages of your research degree. In some cases, you may be jointly supervised.
The support provided by your supervisor is a key feature of your research student experience and you will have regular one-to-one meetings to discuss progress on your research. Initially, your supervisor will help you develop your research topic and plan.
Twice a year, you will have a supervisory board meeting, which provides a more formal opportunity to discuss your progress and agree your plans for the next six months.
Your technical and intellectual development will be enhanced by becoming part of a Research Group, and participating in School Seminars.
Specialist facilities
Our School is fully equipped to perform cutting-edge biochemical research using a combination of conventional and custom-designed apparatus including:
- circular dichroism to monitor secondary structures
- stopped flow optical/fluorescence and laser flash photolysis set-ups for kinetic analysis of enzyme reactions and ligand binding
- extensive facilities for UV/visible/near infra-red, fluorescence and EPR spectroscopy from isolated samples and for proteins within cells
- a MicroCal isothermal titration calorimetry instrument for deriving the thermodynamics of protein ligand binding
- surface plasmon resonance (SPR) facilities to permit the study of a range of biomolecular interactions
- extensive protein production and purification facilities
- potential access to state-of-the-art facilities for protein structure elucidation, including Diamond Light Source, Swiss Light Source and the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility in Grenoble
A dedicated study room allows all our postgraduate research students to have access to a desk and a computer outside of the research laboratories. This provides a focal point for our postgraduates, facilitating reading and writing as well as good communication and a sense of community.
Your future
Many of our postgraduates continue their scientific research by taking up postdoctoral positions in the UK and overseas. Others have embarked on careers in biomedical laboratories and in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, both in research and development. We support your career development by a mentoring scheme and employability events.
At Essex we pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive student community. We offer a wide range of support to individuals and groups of student members who may have specific requirements, interests or responsibilities.
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