Kate Beckham
@kshbeckham.bsky.social
Royal Society University Research Fellow | NUAcT Fellow @ Newcastle University Investigating mycobacterial transport systems #structuralbiology #microbiology Instagram @kshbeckham lab website : https://beckham-lab-newcastle.github.io/
Excited to share our latest work with Wonpil Im lab about the modeling of mycobacterial inner membrane using atomistic simulations, published in the @pubs.acs.org the Journal of Chemical Information and Modeling! Congratulations Hwayoung and Nate! More details here: pubs.acs.org/jcisd8/artic...
From fuzzy to ridig We are pleased to share a new paper entitled “Intrinsic flexibility of the Type VII secretion central pore is required for substrate translocation”, published now in www.biorxiv.org/content/10.6... Great thanks to all contributing authors for their outstanding work.
Happy to share our recent story on the Type VII secretion system. Here were present new insights into the regulation of secretion mediated by the central pore. Thanks to all authors involved in the work. 🙂
bioRxiv Microbiology@biorxiv-microbiol.bsky.social · 5d agoIntrinsic flexibility of Type VII secretion central pore is required for substrate translocation https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.07.31.742005v1
Please repost! #microsky🦠 The Glickman Lab at MSK is recruiting! Projects in Mtb pathogenesis, basic biology of mycobacteria, and mycobacterial cancer therapies. See our publications here: tinyurl.com/3f386f4x Send CV and cover letter to: glickmanmycolab@gmail.com
scholar.google.com
The EMBO workshop (March 2027) on marine microbial chemicals communication is open for abstract submission and registration (deadline 20th Oct 2026). The inaugural meeting in 2025 was fantastic and there are already some great speakers lined up, highly recommended. meetings.embo.org/event/27-mar...
Marine microbial chemical communication
This EMBO Workshop on Marine Microbial Chemical Communication will bring together researchers at the forefront of understanding the chemical crosstalk of microbial interactions in the ocean. As micr…
meetings.embo.org
Our University Research Fellowships are now open for applications. This scheme provides outstanding early-career scientists with the opportunity to build an independent research careers and pursue cutting edge scientific research. Find out more and apply now: royalsociety.org/grants/unive...
Pleasure to host @gchojnowski.bsky.social here in Newcastle for a seminar and a cryo EM modelling building. Thanks Greg, we all learned a lot!
Out Now! Identification of chemical features for improved outer membrane permeation in mycobacteria using machine learning #MicroSky
Identification of chemical features for improved outer membrane permeation in mycobacteria using machine learning
Nature Microbiology, Published online: 30 June 2026; doi:10.1038/s41564-026-02412-5Screening 1,572 compounds for mycomembrane permeation plus cheminformatic and machine learning analyses reveals features associated with improved permeation in the pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis and model organism M. smegmatis.
go.nature.com
Open postdoc position in my lab on HGT and interbacterial competition. We seek candidates with a PhD in microbiology (or related fields)+ strong 1st-author publications. Curious, highly motivated, and dedicated team players ready to contribute fully are encouraged to apply. Details: tiny.cc/cz01101
Open Positions
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tiny.cc
Out after a lot of hard work from many people. When we first found arabinanase enzymes in mycobacteria we started looking into their roles in cell remodelling & pathogenesis. Did not expect to find that some species had weaponised them to kill competitors! Myco are endlessly surprising. #glycotime
Patrick Moynihan@pmoyniha.bsky.social · last mo.New paper in collaboration with @proftracypalmer.bsky.social, @lislowe.bsky.social and many more. We show that mycobacteria produce Type VII secreted anti-bacterial protein toxins. Excited to explore this new area of mycobacterial biology. www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Check out our latest T7SS toxin story. These reverse toxins aren’t as rare as we thought!
bioRxiv Microbiology@biorxiv-microbiol.bsky.social · last mo.A novel reverse lipase toxin substrate of the Staphylococcus aureus type VII secretion system https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.06.22.733114v1
E subunit-enabled ENZYME YOGA. Structures of catalytically active, asymmetric, hybrid acyl-CoA carboxylase, essential in M. tuberculosis @edumullapudi.bsky.social & @matthiaswilmanns.bsky.social & Minh Thai. www.nature.com/articles/s42... see also Liang et al. www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
Architecture of an asymmetric short chain/long chain hybrid acyl‑CoA carboxylase from Mycobacterium smegmatis - Communications Biology
Structural analysis of endogenously expressed proteins in Mycobacterium smegmatis reveals an asymmetric short-chain/long-chain hybrid acyl‑CoA carboxylase that comprises 16 subunits with (AccA3)4–AccE...
nature.com
Our latest paper ‘Ecological context for bacterial natural products’ is now out in the Royal Society of Chemistry @natprodreports.rsc.org International effort with @jonathanparra.bsky.social, Marla I Macias-Contreras & Dulce Guillen Matus #puravida #naturalproducts pubs.rsc.org/en/Content/A...
Ecological context for bacterial natural products discovery
Covering: This review covers literature from 2015 to present.It is widely recognised that there is a significant gap between bacterial natural product potential and detected/described products. As suc...
pubs.rsc.org
@agnese75.bsky.social's work is out. She shows that under iron starvation M. tuberculosis splits flux through the Krebs cycle and secretes metabolites, akin of fermentation. Why is this important? Metabolic flexibility is what makes it so hard to kill in vivo. elifesciences.org/reviewed-pre...
Mycobacterium tuberculosis partitions the Krebs cycle under iron starvation
elifesciences.org
Some very cool simulations, look at those little guys climb that ladder! #MolecularNodes
@corrylab.bsky.social · 2mo agoExcited to share this paper from @yiechanglin.bsky.social showing how lipids can move between bacterial membranes along the bridge like protein TamB. Also happy to be able to post the cool movie. 🎥🌟 #MDsimulations #StructuralBiology doi.org/10.1016/j.bp...
First paper for PhD student in the Bolam / Lowe labs Natalia Łoś on a the characterisation of a new CBM family that binds (beta) mannan! #glycotime @natalia-los.bsky.social 🥳🥳 link.springer.com/article/10.1...
Unusual molecular architecture of a human gut microbiota β-mannanase reveals a new CBM family - Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences
β-mannans are plant structural and storage polysaccharides prevalent in the human diet. Their degradation in the gastrointestinal tract is mediated by the human gut microbiota (HGM) through expression...
link.springer.com
Thanks to the organisers of the ‘2026 Celebration of Microbiology’ for letting me talk about RodA in Bacillus subtilis! It was great to share a summary of the last 3 years with @seamusholden.bsky.social and @henrikstrahl.bsky.social
Starting the afternoon session with a fun, interactive talk from @kateduncan.bsky.social exploring the chemical language of microbes🦠
Great talk from @kasiamic.bsky.social kicking off the Microbiology Research Celebration. @mhd-newcastle.bsky.social @cbcb-newcastle.bsky.social @medicalsciencesncl.bsky.social
Now online. Great collaboration with the Tidow lab @seegerlab and the @embl SAXS beamline. Capturing transient states of heterodimeric ABC transporter TM287/288 by time-resolved small-angle X-ray scattering: Biophysical Journal www.cell.com/biophysj/ful...
Capturing transient states of heterodimeric ABC transporter TM287/288 by time-resolved small-angle X-ray scattering
Structures of the heterodimeric ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter TM287/288 have previously been determined in several states indicating large conformational changes during its reaction cycle. Ho...
cell.com
Just over a week left to apply for this #PhD #studentship on S-layers and #AMR! Please share and if you want to know more, get in touch!
Prof Paula Salgado@pssalgado.bsky.social · 3mo ago🧫 #AMR #PhD open @newcastleuni.bsky.social! How does #Cdifficile protein "armour" help it resist antimicrobials? Join me and @henrikstrahl.bsky.social to find out using: 🔬 #Structuralbiology, #microbiology #microscopy #genetics 📅 Deadline 20 May 2026 #PhD #PhDLife Pls share! (UK home only)
Want to gain hands-on experience of discovering and engineer nanobodies? Join this practical course at the Rosalind Franklin Institute, ideal for early career researchers looking to deepen their understanding of nanobody discovery. Find out more and apply here: www.rfi.ac.uk/latest/event...
Our study on Bacteroides iron piracy is now out in @pnas.org. We show how surface-exposed lipoproteins bind xenosiderophores with different iron-chelating chemistries and propose a mechanism for xenosiderophore import across the outer membrane. Lots of structures (mostly X-ray this time)!
Structural basis of iron piracy by human gut Bacteroides | PNAS
Iron is an essential element that can be growth-limiting in microbial communities, particularly those present within host organisms. To acquire iro...
doi.org
**PhD opportunity** Join me, @henrikstrahl.bsky.social, and Alistair Brown at @newcastleuni.bsky.social to uncover how Mycobacterium tuberculosis survives antibiotics, one molecule at a time! 🔬🦠 #PhD #microbiology #biophysics #microscopy 📅 Deadline 20 May 2026 (UK home only) RT = 🙏
Resolving the mechanism of Mycobacterium tuberculosis antibiotic tolerance through single-molecule microscopy at Newcastle University on FindAPhD.com
PhD Project - Resolving the mechanism of Mycobacterium tuberculosis antibiotic tolerance through single-molecule microscopy at Newcastle University, listed on FindAPhD.com
findaphd.com
Want to work on iron uptake in fungi? Together with Prof Jan Quinn, we have a 4-year funded PhD studentship (UK only) to join us here in Newcastle. Get in touch if you are interested. www.findaphd.com/phds/project...
Molecular mechanisms of siderophore-mediated iron uptake in Fungi at Newcastle University on FindAPhD.com
PhD Project - Molecular mechanisms of siderophore-mediated iron uptake in Fungi at Newcastle University, listed on FindAPhD.com
findaphd.com
Want to research the basis of how drug resistant bacteria interact with human immune cells? Fully funded 4-year PhD position available (UK home students). Come and join our amazing interdisciplinary team at the intersection of microbiology, immunity, metabolism and the clinic! Please spread the word
Hiding in plain sight: How a multi-drug resistant pathogen evades detection and killing by human neutrophils at Newcastle University on FindAPhD.com
PhD Project - Hiding in plain sight: How a multi-drug resistant pathogen evades detection and killing by human neutrophils at Newcastle University, listed on FindAPhD.com
findaphd.com
Delighted to see the return of Erasmus+. Can be brilliant for students who study abroad, particulary if in a very different culture or language www.gov.uk/government/n...
UK and EU finalise agreement to bring UK into Erasmus+ in 2027
Thousands across the UK set to benefit from re-opening of the historic Erasmus+ programme
gov.uk
Structural biology, determining the three-dimensional shapes of biomacromolecules and their complexes, can tell us a lot about how these molecules function and the roles they play within a cell. Applications are now open until 19 July 2026. Submit yours now: www.ebi.ac.uk/training/eve... 🧬 📊 🖥️
Postdoc position available in St Andrews for a structural biologist: www.vacancies.st-andrews.ac.uk/Vacancies/W/...
Research Fellow - AR3262
Research Fellow - AR3262, School of Biology Salary: Grade 6 / £38,784 pa Start date: 1 July 2026 Full time Fixed term: 36 months, <p><span>Applications are sought for a committed Post-doctoral Research Fellow to work with Dr Rafael Guimaraes da Silva conducting research for a Leverhulme Trust Research Grant funded project to dissect catalysis and allostery in a gut microbiome ATP phosphoribosyltransferase enzyme. The primary duties will be to uncover the catalytic and allosteric mechanisms via protein crystallography and enzymology.</span></p> <p><span>The successful applicant will have (or be near to completion of) a PhD in Biochemistry or Structural Biology with expertise in X-ray crystallography and enzymology. </span></p> <p><span>The post is available for 36 months starting 1<sup>st</sup> July 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. </span></p> <p><span>Further information and informal enquiries may be directed to Dr Rafael Guimaraes da Silva at </span>rgds@st-andrews.ac.uk</p> <p> </p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; text-align: justify;"><strong>Benefits:</strong></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; padding-left: 2rem;"> <li style="margin: 0cm 0cm 4pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="line-height: normal;"> </span><span>Financial contribution to </span><a href="https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/payandpensions/removalandrelocationpolicy/" style="color: #565661; background-color: transparent;">relocation</a> <span>(subject to eligibility)</span></li> </ul> <ul style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; padding-left: 2rem;"> <li style="margin: 0cm 0cm 4pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="line-height: normal;"> </span><span>Membership of the USS Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions of 14.5%</span></li> </ul> <ul style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; padding-left: 2rem;"> <li style="margin: 0cm 0cm 4pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="line-height: normal;"> </span><span>A hybrid working environment, including partial homeworking where appropriate and a range of family friendly policies, supporting work-life balance</span></li> </ul> <ul style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; padding-left: 2rem;"> <li style="margin: 0cm 0cm 4pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="line-height: normal;"> </span><span>Staff discount scheme for local and national goods and services</span></li> </ul> <ul style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; padding-left: 2rem;"> <li style="margin: 0cm 0cm 4pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="line-height: normal;"> </span><span>Free staff parking, employee Carshare and Cycle to Work Schemes and subsidised local bus travel</span></li> </ul> <ul style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; padding-left: 2rem;"> <li style="margin: 0cm 0cm 4pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="line-height: normal;"> </span><span>Subsidised sports membership, reduced tuition fees on degree programmes for staff, access to training and development opportunities including LinkedIn Learning, access to library facilities, salary sacrifice scheme</span></li> </ul> <ul style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; padding-left: 2rem;"> <li style="margin: 0cm 0cm 4pt; text-align: justify; line-height: normal;"><span style="line-height: normal;"> </span><span>34 Days Annual Leave plus 5 Public Holidays.</span></li> </ul> <p><span><br> </span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; text-align: justify;"><em>At St Andrews, equality, diversity, and inclusion are central to who we are and form a core pillar of our University Strategy. We are committed to creating a fair, inclusive and supportive workplace, reflected in our participation in national diversity charters and awards, including Athena Swan, Carer Positive and the Race Equality Charter. </em></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; text-align: justify;"><em>We particularly welcome applications from people from Black, Asian, minority ethnic and minority religions backgrounds and from LGBTQ+ and disabled people. </em></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; text-align: justify;"> </p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; text-align: justify;"><strong>Closing date: 17 April 2026</strong></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; text-align: justify;"><strong>Interview date: 11 May 2026</strong></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; text-align: justify;"><strong>Job Description: <a href="https://www.vacancies.st-andrews.ac.uk//ViewAttachment.aspx?enc=jmxpV+AcVus8i/wvT3FZXrrCOvCUGNWd9uca/tGZrAJOxn0uaIw998B27m1Z2faQPrIL0fNvKayeQQ9Vm6dRjh8e9IpvpaUCTN3uAzHFqby4lpmr7kDQu7hbKVYB1s1b" target="_blank" title="AR3262RS FPs.pdf">AR3262RS FPs.pdf</a><br> </strong></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; text-align: justify;"><strong>Ref no: AR3262RS</strong></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; text-align: justify;"><strong> </strong></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; text-align: justify;">School of Biology</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; text-align: justify;">Salary: Grade 6 / £38,784 pa</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; text-align: justify;">Start date: 1 July 2026</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; text-align: justify;">Full time</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; text-align: justify;">Fixed term: 36 months</p>, Working Hours : Full Time School/Unit : School of Biology Job Family : Academic (Research) ,
vacancies.st-andrews.ac.uk