PhD Studentship: A synthetic biology platform to develop novel tetrazoles, Biosciences

Project Title: A synthetic biology platform to develop novel tetrazoles, Biosciences

Location: Living Systems Institute, Streatham Campus, Exeter

The University of Exeter’s Living Systems Institute is inviting applications for a PhD studentship fully-funded by Dstl and the University of Exeter to commence on 26 September 2022 or as soon as possible thereafter.  For eligible students the studentship will cover Home tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of at least £16,062 for 3.5 years full-time.  The student would be based in the Living Systems Institute at the Streatham Campus in Exeter.

Project Description:

This synthetic enzymology project will develop novel tetrazoles in an environmentally sustainable manner. You will prepare enzymes in E. coli, characterise these enzymes, determine enzyme substrate range, and explore the use of metal-organic frameworks to alter enzyme behaviour. The project will work alongside a postdoctoral associate who will be using similar enzymes in enzyme cascades; you will have the opportunity to explore enzyme cascades if the project progresses in this direction. The project will offer the exciting possibility of identifying new chemicals that can be accessed by enzymatic cascades. You will join a dynamic group of researchers in protein science who investigate proteins at structural, functional, and dynamic levels to understand their role in biology. You will also benefit from our strong links with the funder Dstl.

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 £16,062 per year tax-free stipend.  Students who pay international tuition fees are eligible to apply but should note that the award will only provide payment for part of the international tuition fee and no stipend.

International applicants need to be aware that you will have to cover the cost of your student visa, healthcare surcharge and other costs of moving to the UK to do a PhD.

The conditions for eligibility of home fees status are complex and you will need to seek advice if you have moved to or from the UK (or Republic of Ireland) within the past 3 years or have applied for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.