PhD Studentship: BBSRC - Designer Photoenzymes for Selective C-H Functionalisations

Application deadline: 16/03/2026

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.

A PhD studentship is available in the groups of Dr Florence Hardy and Prof Anthony Green, University of Manchester, as part of the cross-institutional BioAID Doctoral Training Programme, including world-leading experts from Queen's University Belfast, University of Manchester, University of Edinburgh and University of Bristol.

BioAID will train the next generation of scientists in Artificial Intelligence and data-driven approaches for translational biocatalysis, addressing critical needs in the development of sustainable biotechnologies. The programme will equip PhD students with advanced expertise in enzyme science, machine learning, enzyme engineering and synthetic biology, accelerating innovation across sections including pharmaceuticals, agri-tech and clean manufacturing. Students will undertake interdisciplinary, co-supervised projects across biocatalysis and AI, supported by national computing infrastructure, hands-on laboratory training, and strong academic/industry partnerships through co-designed projects and placements. In addition, students will benefit from structured cohort training and tailored professional development delivered by partner institutions.

Project Summary:

This studentship will focus on designing photoenzymes for enantioselective C-H functionalization chemistry using the latest deep learning tools for protein design. Non-selective photo-chemical methods for C-H heteroarylation have been established using di-aryl ketones as a photosensitiser; however, enantioselective versions of these processes remain elusive. Inspired by these studies, we will design photoenzymes to catalyse the 4-pyridination of benzylic Csp3–H bonds.

To achieve this goal, we will use advanced computational enzyme design techniques to develop custom proteins that accommodate genetically incorporated photocatalytic moieties and substrate binding pockets to create ideal chiral environments for promoting enantioselective C-C bond forming chemistry.

Through this project, the student will receive training across a range of cutting-edge disciplines and gain expertise in the latest tools for enzyme design and protein structure prediction, organic synthesis, biocatalysis, and directed evolution. The successful candidate will join a growing team of researchers, housed within the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (MIB) at the University of Manchester. Enquiries can be directed to the supervisors.

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, and for full information, please email Sarah Shepherd at bioprocess@manchester.ac.uk

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