Genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors for probing the biophysics of biomolecular condensate dynamics

Applications are invited for a 3.5-year PhD opportunity to join the Quantum Biophotonics group led by Dr Youngchan Kim at the University of Surrey, UK. We are offering a fully funded PhD studentship for a motivated individual seeking a challenging, interdisciplinary project at the interface of biophysics, synthetic biology, and quantum-enabled sensing. 

Biomolecular condensates (BMCs) are membraneless organelles that compartmentalise cellular reactions through phase separation driven by electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. In microorganisms, BMCs are emerging regulators of responses to environmental cues, yet the biophysical properties governing their behaviour remain poorly characterised. Although hydrophobicity is a key determinant of condensate assembly and material properties, no tools currently exist for real-time, non-invasive quantification of local hydrophobicity in living cells. 

This project addresses this gap by developing fluorescent protein (FP)-based biosensors exploiting nonradiative energy transfer in a paired FP system, providing a direct quantitative readout of local hydrophobicity. The project will also explore quantum-enabled sensing approaches – leveraging quantum optical properties of photoactive proteins – to push the sensitivity and precision of condensate measurements beyond the classical limit. After in vitro characterisation, the biosensor will then be deployed in both eukaryotic and microbial hosts to probe condensate dynamics under physiological and environmental stress, such as exposure to pollutants. Together, these approaches will transform how fundamental biophysical properties governing BMC dynamics are measured and understood.

For informal queries and further details about the project please email via youngchan.kim@surrey.ac.uk.

Open to candidates who pay UK/home rate fees. See UKCISA for further information.

You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements for our Quantum Biology PhD.