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About this position

We're looking for a # PhD student for a very interdisciplinary project that aims to model and predict purification protocols for industrial # bioprocessing . Our ideal candidate will have strong computational skills, experience in experimental science or engineering, and an interest in protein production technologies. Please get in touch if you're interested.

The project is a collaboration between myself and John Oyekan, PhD, CEng, MIET, FHEA, FRSA at University of York and Christopher Fox at FUJIFILM Biotechnologies . The 4-year studentship is fully funded by EPSRC and will be part of the IBioIC network. Deadline for applications is 5 January 2025. Funding only covers a student eligible for home rate student fees.


Project abstract:
Purification is a critical step in the manufacture of proteins for research, therapeutic and industrial use, and the annual market serving these sectors is worth billions. Substantial work is required to develop a methodology for the purification of a protein target, with each having a bespoke process including multiple bind/elute chromatography steps. An ideal purification approach would be a generic "flow­ through" process as this would reduce both cost and time, and introduce flexibility. This 4-year fully-funded EPSRC CASE PhD project is a collaboration between the Departments of Biology and Computer Science at University of York and FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies (FDBK). The goal of the project is to evaluate whether computational modelling and optimisation can predict protocols for flow­-through purification of recombinant protein targets. Flow-­through purification approaches address a real-world need for economic and flexible production of proteins in smaller amounts for more specialised or smaller markets, and would allow low volume production facilities to be located closer to the point of use.

You will work in a highly supportive research environment that bridges academia and industry. You will receive training across all disciplines of the project and spend 3 months working at FDBK, a national leader in field, to gain experience in industrial protein production. This highly interdisciplinary project would suit a graduate in chemistry, physics or engineering who has strong computational skills and experience in practical lab-based research.

Funding details

The 4-year studentship is fully funded by EPSRC and is part of the IBioIC network. Funding covers tuition and stipend for students eligible for home rate student fees. Includes 3-month industrial placement at FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies.

What's required

Applicants should have a graduate degree in chemistry, physics, or engineering. Strong computational skills and experience in practical lab-based research are required. Interest in protein production technologies is preferred. Funding eligibility is limited to students who qualify for home rate student fees (UK).

How to apply

Contact Michael Plevin if interested. Prepare application materials demonstrating relevant degree, computational skills, and lab experience. Ensure eligibility for home rate student fees. Apply before 5 January 2025.

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