Molecular Mechanism for Initiation of DNA Replication in Bacteria
- Primary Supervisor: Dr Aravindan Ilangovan
- Co-supervisor(s): Dr Vladimir Volkov
- Studentship Funding: Awaiting CSC Funding Decision
- Application Deadline: 28th January 2026
- PhD Programme: PhD Biological Sciences
Project Overview
Chromosomal DNA replication is a fundamental cellular process that ensures the accurate transmission of genetic information from one generation to the next in all living organisms. In bacteria, this process is initiated through a unique and highly regulated mechanism that differs substantially from replication initiation in eukaryotes or archaea. Understanding how bacterial DNA replication begins at the molecular level is therefore of great biological significance.
Our research aims to investigate the initiation of bacterial DNA replication, focusing on the molecular architecture, regulation, and coordination of the proteins involved. Using state-of-the-art cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and complementary biochemical approaches, we will visualize and dissect the assembly and function of the replication initiation machinery in unprecedented detail. By revealing how these molecular complexes interact and operate, we seek to uncover the fundamental principles that govern the onset of bacterial chromosome duplication.
In the longer term, the detailed molecular insights gained from this work will also have practical implications. As antibiotic resistance continues to rise globally, the need for new molecular targets and innovative therapeutic strategies has become urgent. Because DNA replication is essential for bacterial survival and differs from that in humans, components of the bacterial replication initiation system present promising opportunities for the development of next-generation antibiotics. Our structural and mechanistic studies will thus provide a foundation for rational drug design efforts aimed at tackling antimicrobial resistance.
Research Environment
Our research group (https://www.ilangovan-lab.com/), based at the Blizard Institute in Whitechapel, operates within this vibrant and collaborative environment. Our lab is thriving, with a strong record of successful research output, including a recent publication in Nature Communications (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-43823-w). We are committed to conducting excellent and impactful research that addresses fundamental biological questions. For the proposed project, we are exceptionally well-equipped, with a dedicated cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) facility and regular access to eBIC and LonCEM for high-resolution cryo-EM data collection. We are also equipped with advanced protein purification systems and other essential tools for structural and mechanistic studies
Find out more about the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences on our website.
Keywords: cryo-EM, structural biology, DNA replication, DNA-protein complex, molecular biology
Funding & Eligibility
Queen Mary University of London has partnered with the China Scholarship Council (CSC) to offer a joint scholarship programme to enable Chinese students to study for a PhD programme at Queen Mary. Under the scheme, Queen Mary will provide scholarships to cover all tuition fees, whilst the CSC will provide living expenses and one return flight ticket to successful applicants.
Applicants must:
- Be applying for CSC funding.
- Be a citizen and permanent resident of the People’s Republic of China and hold a Chinese passport.
- Satisfy all eligibility criteria set out by the CSC and must refer to the CSC website for full details.
- Apply to QMUL by 28th January 2026. Late applications will not be considered.
- Submit ALL required documentation, including evidence of their English Language ability ahead of the CSC application deadline.
CSC application rules differ slightly for domestic applicants (students applying from China) and overseas applicants (students applying from overseas). Therefore, ALL applicants are advised to see the CSC website for full details on eligibility and conditions on the scholarship.
Entry Requirements
We are looking for candidates to have or expecting to receive a first or upper-second class honours degree and a Master’s degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Molecular Microbiology, Biotechnology, or related fields. A Master’s degree in one of these fields is desirable but not essential.
Knowledge of bacterial culture techniques, protein expression and purification, any biophysical techniques and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) would be highly advantageous but are not required.
You must meet the IELTS requirements for your course and upload evidence before CSC’s application deadline, ideally by 1st March 2026. You are therefore strongly advised to sit an approved English Language test as soon as possible, where your IELTS test must still be valid when you enrol for the programme.
Please find further details on our English Language requirements page.
How to Apply
Formal applications must be submitted through our online form by 28th January 2026 for consideration. Please identify yourself as a ‘CSC Scholar’ in the funding section of the application.
Applicants are required to submit the following documents:
- Your CV
- Personal Statement
- Evidence of English Language e.g.) IELTS Certificate
- Copies of academic transcripts and degree certificates
- References
Find out more about our application process on our SBBS website.
Informal enquiries about the project can be sent to Dr Aravindan Ilangovan
Admissions-related queries can be sent to sbbs-pgadmissions@qmul.ac.uk
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for a formal interview by the supervisor. If you are successful in your QMUL application, then you will be issued an QMUL Offer Letter, conditional on securing a CSC scholarship along with academic conditions still required to meet our entry requirements.
Once applicants have obtained their QMUL Offer Letter, they should then apply to CSC for the scholarship with the support of the supervisor.
For further information, please go to the QMUL China Scholarship Council webpage.
Apply online