Ciência sem Fronteiras (Science Without Borders)

PhD Project Template:

PI name & contact details: / Prof. Gary Walsh.

Department / Industrial Biochemistry Program, Dept of Chemical and Environmental Sciences
Has project been agreed with head (or nominee) of proposed registration school? / Yes, agreed with my HOD
Research Centre / group affiliation: / CES and MSSI
Research group / centre website: / http://www2.ul.ie/web/WWW/Faculties/Science_&_Engineering/Departments/Chemical_&_Environmental_Science/People/Academic/Prof._Gary_Walsh
PI website / link to CV: / As above
Brief summary of PI research / research group / centre activity (2 or 3 lines max):
Identification, cloning and engineering of extracellular enzymes from acidophilic/thermoacidophilic microorganisms, and the application of those enzyme in biofuel production and as digestive supplements for human and veterinary medicine.
Title & brief description of PhD project (suitable for publication on web):
Novel proteases and amylases from acidophiles and their application as digestive supplements in medicine
Bioinformatic and direct screening of the secretome of novel acidophiles (microorganisms growing at pH 1-4) for novel acid-stable, acid-active protease and amylase enzymes. Purification, characterization, recombinant production and engineering as appropriate of a target protease and amylase. Application relevant studies of the enzymes in terms of their use as stomach-active enzymes in the treatment of digestive conditions associated with, for example, cystic fibrosis.
Unique selling points of PhD project in UL:
Our laboratory has extensive experience in this area and is well equipped. We have an international track record in terms of funding and research publications in the area of enzyme biotechnology. Please see ‘Full Academic Profile’ document of Prof. Gary Walsh at the above website. Also, we are English speaking and the University campus is one of the most attractive and well equipped in western Europe.
Name & contact details for project queries, if different from PI named above:
As above
Please indicate the graduates of which disciplines that should apply:
Any graduate with a biochemistry, microbiology, biotechnology or similar biological-based primary degree.
Please indicate whether students can apply for: / Sandwich programme only
Full PhD programme only / X
Either of the above
Ciência sem Fronteiras / Science Without Borders Priority Area:
Please indicate the specific programme priority area under which the proposed PhD project fits- choose only one (tick box):
Engineering and other technological areas
Pure and Natural Sciences (e.g. mathematics, physics, chemistry)
Health and Biomedical Sciences
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs)
Aerospace
Pharmaceuticals
Oil, Gas and Coal
Renewable Energy
Minerals
Biotechnology / X
Nanotechnology and New Materials
Technology of prevention and remediation of natural disasters
Biodiversity and Bioprospection
Marine Sciences
Creative Industry
New technologies in constructive engineering