We have an opening for a PhD student to investigate the function and
evolution of 'uptake signal sequences' (USS) in the genome of the
bacterium Haemophilus influenzae. There are 1465 copies of these short
sequences in the genome, and they play a key role in DNA recognition and
translocation during DNA uptake by naturally-competent bacteria (natural
transformation). This is a great project, applying molecular and
evolutionary concepts and techniques to a very tractable organism with a
completely-sequenced genome. As far as we know nobody else is working
on the USS (please let us know if we're wrong).
The student will be supported by a Studentship from the Medical Research
Council of Canada. Non-Canadians should apply as soon as possible, as
UBC's fees for foreign students will rise sharply in September 1997.
A more detailed description of the project is available at our web site
(http://www.zoology.ubc.ca/~redfield/research/Studentship.html).
Rosemary J. Redfield redfield at unixg.ubc.ca
Department of Zoology
Univ. of British Columbia Office: (604) 822-3744
Vancouver, B.C. V6T 1Z4 Lab: (604) 822-6323
Canada Fax: (604) 822-2416
WWW site: http://www.zoology.ubc.ca/~redfield
