Dr Tim Knowles

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham

Scientific Background

Research Interests

Tim Knowles is a Reader in Structural Biology whose interest lies in utilising and developing structural and biophysical techniques to elucidate protein function. His research focus spans both prokaryotes and eukaryotes and includes diverse areas of study including resolving the mechanisms of outer membrane biogenesis in Gram-negative bacteria, the development of novel strategies for studying membrane proteins, to the structural biology of rare genetic disorders.

Using structural biology to answer fundamental questions in biology, his research covers:

Outer membrane protein biogenesis:
- Phospholipid transport to the outer membrane
- The Bam complex
Novel methods for studying membrane proteins:
- Membrane protein solubilisation
- Membrane protein function
Batten Disease

Research Groups

Structural and Molecular Cell Biology

Supervision Style

In a few words or phrases: encouraging, Supportive, student-centred, guiding.

Provision of Training

Your training will be supervised predominantly by my experienced post docs/PhD students but I am in the lab daily providing advice on experiments and training where necessary in certain aspects of structural biology/biophysics.

Progression Monitoring and Management

I expect the group to support, develop and converse as a team, and to take interest in the breadth of what we study. Management comes from me as team lead, and progression results from a combination of self-drive and co-operative decision making.

Communication

This is largely at the students discretion, in the style that suits them best. As a group, we do a lot of idea/result discussion as informal conversation, and hold more standard one-on-one meetings if there is more intricate planning to be done.

I am known to email my team/PhD students at all hours of the day and night, however I will not expect you to do the same.

The team has a WhatsApp group chat with which we regularly communicate during the week. Whilst I expect you to keep up with my/ team communications I will expect you to manage your work/life balance.

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me:

In a group meeting

At least once per fortnight

In year 1 of PhD study

At least once per fortnight

In year 2 of PhD study

At least once per fortnight

In year 3 of PhD study

At least once per fortnight

These one on one meetings will mainly be face to face in my office, and I am usually contactable for an instant response on every working day.

Working Pattern

Certain tasks in my lab need to occur at set times, and students need to be able to commit to a rota/timetable shared with other members of the team.

Notice Period for Feedback

I need at least 1 week’s notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Co-supervisor on a project with Professor Tim Dafforn.