WR DTP fully-funded project: Engineering ATP-grasp enzymes for the Preparation of Pharmaceutical Amides

The industrial production of pharmaceutical compounds requires that they are synthesised in a very specific way, and that the methods used, where possible, involve non-toxic materials and the least hazardous conditions. Enzymes possess the required selectivity in their reactions, but are also attractive from the perspective of sustainable, green chemistry.  One important reaction in pharmaceutical synthesis is the formation of amide bonds, which presents a significant challenge to industry with respect to green and sustainable chemistry, Many kinds of enzyme have been used to make amide bonds, but an emerging class of enzymes – ATP-Grasp Enzymes (AGEs) - has recently being described, which offer improved ways to catalyse these reactions.  In this project we will develop AGE technology, with a view to offering valuable new enzyme catalysts for industry. We will use a combination of organic chemistry, molecular and structural biology, to characterise their molecular mechanisms of action. We will then use protein engineering techniques to make the enzymes work better on the reactions of interest, but also expand their applicability, resulting in valuable catalysts for the production of important industrial synthetic intermediates.

The WR DTP and the University of York are committed to recruiting future scientists regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or career pathway to date. We understand that commitment and excellence can be shown in many ways and we have built our recruitment process to reflect this. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in science, who have curiosity, creativity and a drive to learn new skills.

Entry Requirements: Students with, or expecting to gain, at least an upper second class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply. The interdisciplinary nature of this programme means that we welcome applications from students with backgrounds in any biological, chemical, and/or physical science, or students with mathematical backgrounds who are interested in using their skills in addressing biological questions. 

Programme: PhD in Biological Chemistry (4 years)

Start Date: 1st October 2022 (the student will be affiliated with the Department of Chemistry)

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in mid February 2022