PhD in Enzymology

Location: Manchester/nThis 4-year fully funded PhD project (start date October 2026) combines experimental directed evolution with computational protein design to develop new biocatalytic methods for asymmetric synthesis. The project will leverage the pyridoxal phosphate (PLP)-dependent enzyme UstD for convergent, stereocontrolled synthesis of new classes of non-canonical amino acids. It is a collaboration between the Buller and Hardy labs and is part of the Centre for Sustainable Synthesis – BioProcess led by The University of Manchester in collaboration with industry and other universities. Eligible applicants include home students and EU students with settled status. Annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26) and tuition fees will be paid. The successful candidate will work at the interface of enzymology, protein engineering, and synthetic chemistry.