Synthetic biochemistry offers the opportunity to synthesise molecules that are challenging for organic chemistry. At the same time, the environmental costs of making molecules are reduced considerably. In this project, you will have the exciting opportunity to use synthetic biochemistry to sustainably synthesise compounds that are new to chemistry. Our target chemicals are tetrazoles, which are commonly used in pharmaceuticals and other industrial processes and have strong potential for new derivatives. You will work with the supervisor and a postdoctoral associate to build pathways from a panel of enzymes to make existing and new compounds and explore their properties. You will also have the opportunity to explore new ways to alter the activity of individual enzymes and pathways. The project will offer you exciting possibilities to identify and characterise new chemicals that can only be prepared using enzymes. Depending on your interests, you can also explore how enzyme structure and dynamics affects the molecules that can be made.
You will join a friendly and integrated group of researchers in protein science who investigate how the structure, function, and dynamics of proteins leads to their role in biology. The project will be housed in the University of Exeter’s Living Systems Institute, which currently has 60 PhD students and a strong interdisciplinary PhD programme. You will also benefit from our strong links with the funder Dstl, including the opportunity to visit their site and experience the different scientific culture.
This award provides annual funding to cover Home tuition fees and a tax-free stipend. For students who pay Home tuition fees the award will cover the tuition fees in full, plus at least £17,668 per year tax-free stipend for 3.5 years full-time. The position is open for a project start between May and September 2023. This position is only open to UK nationals.
Location:
Living Systems Institute, Streatham Campus, Exeter
Entry requirements:
Applicants for this studentship must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or strong Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of science or technology. The successful applicant will need to obtain clearance from Dstl to work on the project.
How to apply:
In the application process you will be asked to upload several documents.
• CV
• Cover letter (outlining your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake the project).
• Transcript(s) giving full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained (this should be an interim transcript if you are still studying)
• Names of two referees familiar with your academic work. You are not required to obtain references yourself. We will request references directly from your referees if you are shortlisted.
The closing date for applications is midnight on March 31st 2023. Interviews will be held virtually / on the University of Exeter Streatham Campus in early April.
If you have any general enquiries about the application process please email [Email Address Removed] or phone 0300 555 60 60 (UK callers). Project-specific queries should be directed to the main supervisor.
For more information and to submit an application please visit - https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/funding/award/?id=4731