PhD Studentship: (BioProcess) Engineered Enzymes for Stereo- and Regiocontrolled SNAr Reactions with Heteroatom Nucleophiles

Application deadline: 31/03/2026
Research theme: Biocatalysis and Protein Engineering Centre for Sustainable Synthesis – BioProcess

How to apply: https://www.mib.manchester.ac.uk/research/centres/coebio3/

UK only

This 4-year PhD project is fully funded, and home students are eligible to apply. The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26) and tuition fees will be paid.

This fully funded PhD project will develop a new generation of biocatalysts capable of performing challenging nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SNAr) reactions with exceptional selectivity. Building on recent breakthroughs in the Green group (Nature 2025, 639, 375) this project will focus on the development of SNAr enzymes for regio- and stereoselective couplings involving alcohol, amine and thiol coupling partners —transformations that underpin the synthesis of many modern pharmaceuticals.

Working at the interface of chemical biology, protein engineering and synthetic chemistry, the student will:

• Develop high throughput assays to identify and evaluate SNAr enzyme variants.
• Use automated directed evolution workflows to enhance catalytic activity, selectivity and solvent tolerance.
• Apply engineered enzymes in multigram scale biotransformations to generate valuable pharmaceutical intermediates.
• Collaborate closely with academic and industry experts in structural biology and computational enzymology to uncover mechanistic principles that guide future enzyme design.
• The project offers comprehensive training in biocatalysis, enzyme design and engineering, organic synthesis, structural biology, computational chemistry and analytical chemistry within a vibrant, multidisciplinary research environment.

About the programme

Join experts in industry and academia working to sustainably manufacture the complex and diverse molecules needed by modern society.

Industrial manufacturing is at a turning point. Many conventional production routes rely on non-renewable resources, harmful chemicals, and energy-intensive steps. Biocatalysis using engineered enzymes offers a proven solution.

Led by The University of Manchester in collaboration with AstraZeneca, The Universities of Bristol and York alongside other leading industrial partners, BioProcess aims to train the next generation of scientists in the skills needed to realise full the potential of biocatalysis, protein engineering and biomanufacturing for the UK bioeconomy.

BioProcess aims to train the next generation of bio-innovators. Our interdisciplinary programmes prepare PhD students and researchers with the real-world skills to apply biocatalysis, protein engineering and sustainable manufacturing in industry.

We offer:

• PhD projects co-developed with industry and aligned with real manufacturing challenges
• advanced theoretical and practical skills training provided by a mixture of industry and academic project partners covering structural biology; biophysical and analytical methods; computational modelling; directed evolution; process modelling and development; digital skills
• Access to a network of elite partners and mentors
• A strong track record of impact, including a free online course in industrial biotechnology with over 10,000 learners to date.
• Formerly CoEBio3, our centre has a focus on delivering solutions with real impact in pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing with our industry partners. Our work has already enabled major industrial advances
• Commercialised over 1,000 enzymes
• Covering 20+ reaction types, significantly expanding biocatalytic options for manufacturing.
• Pioneered metal-free processes
• Reducing reliance on costly and hazardous precious metal catalysts.
• Delivered high-performing biocatalysts
• Engineered industry-ready enzymes suitable for large scale pharmaceutical manufacturing.

We’ve also helped shape national policy. In 2018, our researchers co-authored the UK strategy report Growing the UK Industrial Biotechnology Base, supporting government plans for a £440 billion bio-economy by 2030.

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 Dr Sarah Shepher: sarah.shepherd@manchester.ac.uk.

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