PhD Studentship: Bioprocess: Skeletal Editing of Therapeutic Nucleosides

Department: Chemistry
Title: Bioprocess: Skeletal Editing of Therapeutic Nucleosides
Application deadline: 31/03/2026
Research theme: Organic chemistry and biocatalysis

This 4-year PhD project is fully funded and home students, and EU students with settled status, 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. We expect the stipend to increase each year.

The start date is October 2026.

The project is a collaboration between the Greaney and Lovelock laboratories based at the Dept of Chemistry, University of Manchester.

Applicants should have a passion for molecule-making and the discovery of new chemical reactivity. Research project experience in organic chemistry is desirable, with an emphasis on reaction development and optimization.

Training

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.

Eligibility

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.

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.

Training

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.

Strong foundations in Biocatalysis:

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.

To apply, and for further information, please contact main supervisor; Prof Michael Greaney (michael.greaney@manchester.ac.uk).

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