PhD Studentship: Click-to-Connect Cytochromes: Modular Components for Sustainable Electrical Circuits

Primary Supervisor - Professor Julea Butt

This exciting project will engineer cytochromes for site-selective covalent linkage to multiple redox partners and electrodes thereby delivering proof-of-principle for novel electronic circuitry.  

Harnessing redox-active proteins as an abundant and tuneable source of conductive molecules presents an attractive route to meet the need for sustainable electronic components. Multiheme cytochromes produced by electric bacteria are particularly attractive for this purpose because they are spanned by close-packed chains of redox-active heme cofactors. We have previously demonstrated that such proteins can be engineered to sit between two electrodes and conduct electrons between them.   

Building on our success, this project will use site-specific mutagenesis to create novel cytochromes that extend the opportunities to form protein based electrical circuitry. That mutagenesis will introduce natural and non-canonical amino acids to allow site-selective conjugation of multiple cytochromes in novel conductive configurations.

The project will use site-specific mutagenesis, protein purification, protein engineering, spectroscopy, and dynamic electrochemistry. Working in an enthusiastic and supportive team the successful applicant will become expert in state-of-the-art protein engineering, biochemistry and biophysics. They will also expand their knowledge of synthetic biology and green chemistry, and benefit from opportunities to participate in national and international conferences. 
Informal enquiries are encouraged, please contact Professor Julea Butt (j.butt@uea.ac.uk) for further information.   

The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP) is offering fully funded studentships for October 2027 entry. The programme offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP students undertake a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS) during their study. The placement offers exciting and invaluable work experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team. 

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th February 2027.

Our partners value diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background. 

To maximise accessibility and attract students from underrepresented groups to our programme we have introduced bespoke templates for applicant Personal and Research statements which will enable every applicant to fully represent themselves through providing suitable examples and evidence. These forms are on the NRPDTP website and must be used for these sections of the application form.

Entry requirements 

At least UK equivalence Bachelors (Honours) 2:1. English Language requirement (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category). 

 Mode of study 

Full-time 

 Start date 

1 October 2027 

Additional Funding Information

This project is awarded with a 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD DTP studentship. The studentship includes payment of tuition fees (directly to the University), a stipend to cover living expenses (2026/27 stipend rate: £21,805, and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000 pa for each year of the studentship.

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