PhD Studentship - (BioProcess) Enantiocomplementary, Convergent Synthesis of Non-canonical Amino Acids

Research theme: Biocatalysis and Protein Engineering Centre for Sustainable Synthesis – BioProcess

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

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.

This fully funded PhD project will merge the latest tools from experimental directed evolution with computational protein design to develop new biocatalytic methods for asymmetric synthesis. This collaborative project will leverage the pyridoxal phosphate (PLP)-dependent enzyme UstD, previously developed for biocatalysis by the Buller group (Nature Catalysis, 2022, 5, 136–143; Angew Chem In Ed, 2025, e202422109), for convergent, stereocontrolled synthesis of new classes of non-canonical amino acids.

This project is a collaboration between the Buller and Hardy labs and will reprogram enzyme activity and stereoselectivity of powerful C-C bond forming reactions. Working at the interface of enzymology, protein engineering, and synthetic chemistry, the student will:

• Develop high-throughput assays to identify enzyme variants with higher activity, altered selectivity, and improved stability.
• Generate new protein variants with computational protein design tools that provide superior starting points for laboratory evolution.
• Deploy new enzymes for g-scale synthesis of desirable pharmaceutical building blocks
• Characterize the molecular basis of enzyme function with spectroscopic, kinetic, and structural techniques.

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.

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, please contact Sarah Shepher at  bioprocess@manchester.ac.uk.

Advert information