Flow Biocatalysis: a synthetically constructed bacterial bio-factory for the efficient synthesis of industrially important chiral amines.

Location: Nottingham
Hours: Full time
Contract: Contract/temporary
Supervisor: Dr Elaine O’Reilly, Dr Phil Hill, Dr John King
Programme of Study: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Chemical Biology/Synthetic Biology
Intended Start Date: September 2015

Applications are invited for exciting PhD opportunity to work on a multidisciplinary project under the direction of Dr Elaine O’Reilly (chemistry), Dr Phil Hill (biosciences) and Prof John King (mathematical sciences).

This PhD project is part of a University-funded Doctoral Training Programme in Synthetic Biology and associated with Nottingham’s new BBSRC/EPSRC Synthetic Biology Research Centre. Students will benefit from a diverse range of training opportunities, including specialist workshops, lectures and seminars, as well as participation in Nottingham’s yearly BBSRC DTP Spring School event.

Project -

Many biosynthetic pathways require ‘substrate channelling’ between catalytic domains. Attempts to achieve this in single organisms are often problematic, resulting in toxic intermediates inhibiting growth or leading to low yields. The project will explore the use of flow biocatalysis for the construction of a bacterial bio-factory, allowing the efficient synthesis of industrially important chiral amines. We plan to channel substrates between different bacterial cells with distinct activities which are held together with synthetic scaffolds; ultimately capturing the final product in synthetic CHells to facilitate product recovery.

Amine transaminases are one of the most industrially relevant biocatalysts, yet relatively few processes currently employ these enzymes. This proof-of-concept project will involve the construction of a self-sufficient platform that produces the amine donor substrate, mediates the desired transformation and enables rapid isolation of purified product, contributing towards the widespread use of these biocatalysts in both academia and industry.

Training -

This truly multi-disciplinary project will provide the student with a unique opportunity to aquire skills in synthetic chemistry, biocatalysts, microbiology, molecular biology and computational design.

Benefits to the Student:
- The successful applicant will benefit from the excellent research facilities at the University of Nottingham
- The student will directly contribute towards high-impact publications
- The successful candidate will receive excellent training in organic synthesis, molecular biology, biocatalysis etc which represent highly relevant skills for a career in the pharmaceutical industry and related sectors

Funding -

Studentships are fully funded for a fixed period of 4 years and cover fees (Home/EU only) and a tax free stipend of at UK Research Council rate.

Qualifications -

Applicants should be in possession of, or expect to attain, a first or upper second class honours degree, or equivalent, in Chemistry or a relevant discipline.

Interested students are welcome to contact Dr Elaine O’Reilly for an informal discussion or for further information [Email Address Removed]

Queries should be directed to Samantha Offiler ([Email Address Removed]) and applications made via http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/pgstudy/apply/apply-online.aspx and should include a two page CV and cover letter stating your reasons for wanting to complete a PhD, your academic and non-academic strengths and any other background information that you wish to include.

The School values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity. The School of Chemistry holds a Bronze Athena SWAN Award in recognition of our commitment to advancing women's careers in science. You can read more about what this means at http://www.athenaswan.org.uk/ and on our website http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/chemistry/about/athena-swan.aspx