Centre for Synthetic Biology and the Bioeconomy

Staff Profile

Professor Heath Murray

Professor of Bacterial Genetics

Background

RESEARCH CAREER

Professor of Bacterial Genetics (2018-present)

Wellcome Trust Senior Research Fellow (2017-2022)

Royal Society University Research Fellow (2009-2017)

Postdoctoral Fellow (2004-2009) - Jeff Errington, FRS

Graduate Fellow (1998-2003) - Richard Gourse, PhD

Undergraduate Scholar (1994-1998) - Robert Simons, PhD


EDUCATION

Ph.D. Genetics (University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA)

B.S. Microbiology & Molecular Genetics (University of California-Los Angeles, USA)


HONORS AND AWARDS

Wellcome Trust Discovery Award (2023-2030)

Wellcome Trust Senior Research Fellowship (2017-2022)

Royal Society University Research Fellowship (2009-2017)

Human Frontier Science Program Postdoctoral Fellowship (2005-2007)

European Molecular Biology Organization Postdoctoral Fellowship (2004)

USA National Institutes of Health Postdoctoral Fellowship (2004; declined)

UW-Madison Genetics Department Outstanding Graduate Student Award (2003)

National Institutes of Health Genetics Training Fellowship (1998-2001)

Howard Hughes Undergraduate Research Fellowship (1996, 1997)

University of California Regents Scholarship (1994-1998)

 

Research


BACTERIAL DNA REPLICATION INITIATION

The Murray Lab studies bacterial DNA replication initiation in the model organism Bacillus subtilis. Using a combination of genetics, cell biology, molecular biology, and biochemistry, we are investigating the architecture of the bacterial chromosome origin, the essential activities of replication initiation proteins and the coordination of DNA synthesis with cell growth. One of the key tools we have developed is an inducible artificial chromosome origin that allows us to bypass normally essential endogenous replication initiation factors. We are keen to explore the utility of more sophisticated synthetic replication systems, both for fundamental understanding of DNA replication and for exploitation in biotechnology. We are also utilizing our expertise to search for novel antibiotics that target DNA replication proteins.


RESEARCH TEAM

Stepan Fenyk - Postdoc

Aurélie Guyet - Postdoc

Frederic Schramm - Postdoc

Kathy Stratton - Postdoc


FUNDING

Wellcome Trust


OPPORTUNITIES

Interested individuals should have a strong background in bacterial genetics, molecular biological, biochemistry, and/or high-throughput screening, and should have a demonstrated record of high productivity in peer-reviewed literature. Applicants should send a CV, along with two reference letters, directly to heath.murray@newcastle.ac.uk.


Teaching

BGM1002 - DNA Structure, Function, and Replication

BMG2056 - DNA Replication & Recombination

CMB3000 - Undergraduate Research project

MMB8016 - Control of DNA Replication in Bacteria

Publications