PhD Studentship: Design, Synthesis and In Vitro Translation of Non-Canonical Amino Acids

Application deadline: 06/01/2026
Research theme: Biological Chemistry

This 4-year PhD studentship is open to Home (UK) applicants. The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26; subject to annual uplift), and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year. The start date is October 2026.

We recommend that you apply early as the advert will be removed once the position has been filled.

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented PhD student to join a multidisciplinary project focused on the design, chemical synthesis and in vitro translation of non-canonical amino acids (ncAAs) for expanding the chemical functionality of proteins.[1-5] This project combines organic synthesis, chemical biology and in vitro translation systems to explore and exploit the frontiers of the genetic code. The goal is to design and synthesize novel ncAAs, and incorporate them site-specifically into peptides and proteins using cell free protein synthesis platforms. These modified proteins will be studied for their biophysical properties, reactivity, and potential applications across chemical biology, therapeutic development, and biomaterials.

Further information regarding the collaborative supervisory team can be found at https://millerresearchgroup.co.uk and https://research.manchester.ac.uk/en/persons/richard-obexer. You will receive training in organic synthesis, chemoenzymatic synthesis and molecular biology, all geared towards the design and development of in vitro translation of non-canonical amino acids. Transferable skills such as reporting of results orally and in writing, time management, project planning and management will also be developed.

References:

(1) https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemrev.4c00120.
(2) https://www.nature.com/articles/nprot.2011.331
(3) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpa.2007.08.011
(4) https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.mie.2021.05.002
(5) https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ijch.202400006

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

To apply, please contact the supervisors: Prof Gavin Miller - gavin.miller@manchester.ac.uk and Dr Richard Obexer - richard.obexer@manchester.ac.uk. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.

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