PhD Studentship: Trash to Treasure: Photocatalytic Reaction Cascades in Vesicle Microreactors

Primary supervisor - Dr Julea Butt

This exciting project will engineer light-driven microreactors converting nitrate to ammonia thereby delivering proof-of-principle for a sustainable technology converting a widespread pollutant, nitrate, to a valuable fertiliser and chemical feedstock, ammonia.

Harnessing sunlight as an abundant and sustainable source of energy to drive the upcycling of waste presents an attractive strategy to mitigate climate change. For this purpose smart bio-inspired systems are particularly attractive, and we previously demonstrated self-assembled vesicle microreactors performing photocatalytic production of a green fuel, hydrogen, and removal of the potent greenhouse gas nitrous oxide. Those reactions were driven by electrons supplied by robust, light-harvesting Carbon-Dots.

Building on our success, this project will assemble vesicles performing the photocatalytic reduction of nitrate to ammonia using an entrapped enzyme cascade. Effective transport of reactants and products across the vesicle bilayer will be achieved with protein nanowires, ionophores and pore-forming proteins.

The project will involve protein purification, protein engineering, spectroscopy, photochemistry, analytical chemistry and enzymology. Working in an enthusiastic and supportive team the student will become expert in state-of-the-art (bio)chemistry, biophysics and photocatalysis. They will also expand their knowledge of synthetic biology and green chemistry, and benefit from opportunities to participate in national and international conferences.

Informal enquiries are encouraged, please contact Professor Julea Butt (j.butt@uea.ac.uk) for further information.

The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP) is offering fully funded studentships for October 2026 entry. The programme offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP students undertake a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS) during their study. The placement offers exciting and invaluable work experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team.

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 3,4 or 5 February 2026.

Visit our website for further information on eligibility and how to apply: https://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk/.

Entry requirements

At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1. English Language requirement (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category). 

Mode of study: Full time

Start date: 1 October 2026

Additional Funding Information

This project is awarded with a 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD CASE studentship with Inspiralis Limited. The studentship includes payment of tuition fees (directly to the University), a stipend to cover living expenses (2025/6 stipend rate: £20,780), and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000pa for each year of the studentship.

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