PhD project: Combining neutron reflectivity experiments with coarse-grained molecular dynamic simulations: a synergistic approach to investigate bacterial membrane proteins
Project description
In this project the reflection of neutrons from lipid bilayers suspended beneath the air/water interface of a Langmuir trough will be used to provide an experimental platform with which to investigate the behaviour of membrane proteins in bacterial membranes. This model bilayer setup, which has been developed by a current PhD student provides an experimental realization of the bilayer geometry used in atomistic and coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations of membranes. To date, the potential synergy between these two approaches has not been exploited. The neutron reflectivity measurement could be used as a constraint on the tuning of the force-field used in the molecular dynamics simulations and the molecular dynamics simulations could be used to guide the fitting of the experimental reflectivity data. This project will address this, by developing a synergistic approach that combines the two techniques. The project would involve experimental work at the Institut Laue Langevin, ISIS (the UK's spallation neutron source), running simulations and writing the necessary code to facilitate this new approach.
Project supervisor
- Dr Simon Titmuss (School of Physics & Astronomy, University of Edinburgh)
The project supervisor welcomes informal enquiries about this project.
Find out more about this research area
The links below summarise our research in the area(s) relevant to this project:
- Find out more about Soft Matter Physics.
- Find out more about the Institute for Condensed Matter and Complex Systems.
What next?
- Find out how to apply for our PhD degrees.
- Find out about fees and funding and studentship opportunities.
- View and complete the application form (on the main University website).
- Find out how to contact us for more information.