Room temperature coherent interactions between fluorescent proteins
This project aims to characterize room temperature coherent interactions between fluorescent proteins.
Start date
1 October 2020Duration
3 yearsApplication deadline
Funding source
Leverhulme Trust and University of SurreyFunding information
The studentship fully covers all academic fees with a stipend of £15,285 per annum for UK/EU students.
Funding for future years will be subjected to the UKRI increase.
About
Quantum coherence between fluorescent proteins (FPs) at physiological temperature was thought to be impossible because of rapid vibrational decoherence and structural limitation in close proximity. However, surprisingly, it has been observed that two fluorophores in a yellow fluorescent protein VenusA206 homodimer behave coherently under physiological conditions (Biophysical Journal 116, 1918 (2019)). This result suggests the hypothesis that these fluorophores have unique photo-physical behaviors that might complicate experimental interpretation but may be exploited to enable quantum computation at room temperature. Thus, a better understanding of FP photo-physics is warranted. This project aims to characterize room temperature coherent interactions between fluorescent proteins.
Related links
Leverhulme Quantum Biology Doctoral Training Centre (QB-DTC) Ravi Silva Jeremy AllamEligibility criteria
Applicants must have a BSc/Masters. The ideal candidates may have background in optics, physics and/or molecular biology.
UK and EU students only will be funded, overseas students will need to source their own funding.
English language requirements: IELTS overall score of 6.5 or above with a minimum of 6.0 in each component (or equivalent).
How to apply
To apply for this studentship:
- Firstly apply for the Quantum Biology PhD.
- During your application, please mention your desire to apply to this studentship in order to be considered.
- When the system asks you to add your ‘Research Project’ please copy and paste the project description of the project you wish to apply for.
Application deadline
Contact details

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