[Marie Curie network funding for 3 years; fixed-term from 1st February 2026 to 31st January 2029. Full studentship including stipend and tuition fees.] The University of Cambridge is offering a Marie-Curie PhD Studentship as part of the MetaExplore network, focusing on functional metagenomics and the discovery of novel biocatalysts for a sustainable circular economy. This 3-year doctoral position, supervised by Professor Florian Hollfelder in the Biochemistry Department, is funded through the Horizon Europe EU Marie Curie Network and involves extensive collaboration with leading research groups across Europe and the UK. The MetaExplore project aims to harness environmental sources to identify and develop new biocatalysts that can contribute to future sustainable processes with improved resource and energy efficiency. The research will center on developing ultrahigh throughput assays to screen metagenomic libraries for new catalysts, with applications in recycling, bioremediation, and green chemistry. Candidate enzymes will be mechanistically investigated, structurally characterized, and improved through directed evolution. The use of microfluidic picoliter droplets enables the experimental interrogation of enzyme libraries with over 10 million members per day, significantly enhancing the potential for successful catalyst discovery. As part of the MetaExplore network, the successful candidate will benefit from a broad skills training program, including both experimental and computational work, and will have opportunities to collaborate with network partners across Europe. The position is ideal for candidates interested in interdisciplinary research at the interface of biology, chemistry, and environmental science. Applicants should hold a first or upper second class degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or a closely related subject. Experience with molecular and chemical biology techniques is essential, and additional skills in assay development, enzyme kinetics, DNA library generation, structural biology, organic synthesis, high-throughput screening, mechanistic enzymology, bioinformatics, and microfluidic engineering are highly desirable. The application should include a cover letter describing research interests, a detailed CV with exam marks and practical experience, a list of publications, and the names and email addresses of at least two referees familiar with the applicant's research work. The studentship is fully funded for three years, covering tuition fees and a stipend, with the post available from 1st February 2026 until 31st January 2029. The University of Cambridge actively supports equality, diversity, and inclusion, and encourages applications from all sections of society. All applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK. For further information and to apply, visit the University of Cambridge job portal. Informal enquiries can be directed to Professor Florian Hollfelder at [email protected], and queries regarding the application process can be sent to the Biochemistry HR Team at [email protected].

The University of Cambridge is offering a prestigious Marie Curie PhD Studentship as part of the MetaExplore network, focusing on functional metagenomics and the discovery of novel biocatalysts for a sustainable circular economy. The project, led by Professor Florian Hollfelder in the Department of Biochemistry, aims to harness environmental sources for new catalysts that can be applied in recycling, bioremediation, and green chemistry. Research will involve ultrahigh throughput screening of metagenomic libraries using microfluidic picoliter droplets, enabling experimental interrogation of enzyme libraries with over 10 million members per day. Candidate enzymes will be mechanistically investigated, structurally characterized, and improved through directed evolution. This studentship provides a unique opportunity to work in an international research environment, collaborating with various EU and UK groups within the MetaExplore network. The training includes both experimental and computational work, with a wide range of skill development in molecular biology, chemical biology, assay development, enzyme kinetics, DNA library generation, structural biology, organic synthesis, high-throughput screening, mechanistic enzymology, bioinformatics, and microfluidic engineering. Applicants should hold a first or upper second class degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related subject, followed by a PhD. Experience in relevant laboratory techniques and research areas is highly desirable. The position is fully funded for three years, with support for tuition and research costs, and offers excellent career development opportunities in advanced molecular and biochemical research. To apply, candidates should submit a cover letter describing their research interests, a detailed CV including exam marks and practical experience, a list of publications, and the names and email addresses of at least two referees familiar with their research work. Applications are to be submitted online via the University of Cambridge recruitment system, quoting reference PH48176. The deadline for applications is 2 January 2026. For informal enquiries, contact Professor Florian Hollfelder at [email protected]. This opportunity is ideal for motivated, research-driven candidates seeking to advance their careers in functional metagenomics, biochemistry, and sustainable science within a world-class academic environment.

The University of Cambridge's Department of Biochemistry is offering a fixed-term Marie Curie ON-Tract PhD position focused on protein engineering of enzymes, combining in vitro directed evolution and machine learning-based approaches to advance biocatalysis for synthetic applications. This three-year doctoral opportunity is part of the Horizon Europe EU Marie Curie Network ON-TRACT, which brings together leading research groups across Europe and the UK to develop oligonucleotide-based therapeutics, including anti-cancer strategies. The successful candidate will join Professor Florian Hollfelder's research group, engaging in cutting-edge research to develop ultrahigh throughput methods for the in vitro evolution of enzymes relevant to synthetic chemistry, particularly for oligonucleotide constructs such as chiral synthesis involving IREDs and ligases. The project will utilize diverse enzyme libraries generated by error-prone PCR, site-saturation mutagenesis, and transposon-based InDel mutagenesis. In vitro selections will be followed by advanced techniques such as long-read nanopore sequencing and deep mutational scanning to analyze screening outputs. Data generated from these experiments will be interpreted using regression and tree-based machine learning algorithms, enabling the identification of improved enzyme mutants and the development of mechanistic hypotheses. The ON-TRACT network offers extensive collaborative opportunities, providing training in organic synthesis, cell biology, medical research, and more, ensuring a broad skillset for the successful applicant. Applicants should hold a first or upper second class degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or a closely related discipline. Experience with molecular and chemical biology techniques is essential, and additional skills in assay development, enzyme kinetics, DNA library generation, structural biology, organic synthesis, high-throughput screening, mechanistic enzymology, bioinformatics, and microfluidic engineering are highly desirable. Candidates are expected to submit a cover letter detailing their research interests, a comprehensive CV with exam marks and practical experience, a list of publications, and contact information for at least two referees familiar with their research work. The position is funded for three years, from 1st February 2026 to 31st January 2029. While specific funding details are not provided, the role is part of a prestigious Marie Curie network, which typically offers competitive support. The University of Cambridge is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and encourages applications from all backgrounds. Applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK. To apply, candidates should use the online application link provided. For informal scientific enquiries, contact Professor Florian Hollfelder at [email protected]. For questions regarding the application process, reach out to the Biochemistry HR Team at [email protected]. Please reference PH48293 in all correspondence related to this vacancy.

[Marie Curie Rate; fixed-term funding available from 1st February 2026 until 31st January 2030.] The University of Cambridge is offering a Marie Curie MetaExplore PhD position in the Department of Biochemistry, supervised by Professor Florian Hollfelder. This doctoral opportunity is part of the Horizon Europe EU Marie Curie Network MetaExplore, a collaborative initiative involving leading research groups across Europe and the UK. The project centers on functional metagenomics, aiming to discover and develop novel biocatalysts that can contribute to a sustainable circular economy through ultrahigh throughput screening technologies. Research activities will focus on harnessing environmental sources to identify new enzymes with potential applications in recycling, bioremediation, and green chemistry. The successful candidate will develop and utilize ultrahigh throughput assays to screen metagenomic libraries, enabling the experimental interrogation of enzyme libraries with over 10 million members per day. Candidate enzymes will be mechanistically investigated, structurally characterized, and improved through directed evolution, with the goal of enhancing resource and energy efficiency in future sustainable processes. The project offers extensive training opportunities, both experimental and computational, through collaborations with MetaExplore network partners. Skills development will include molecular and chemical biology techniques, assay development, enzyme kinetics, DNA library generation, structural biology, organic synthesis, high-throughput screening, mechanistic enzymology, bioinformatics, and microfluidic engineering. Applicants should possess a first or upper second class degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or a closely related discipline. Prior experience in the relevant techniques and skills is highly advantageous. The position is funded at the Marie Curie Rate, with support available from 1st February 2026 to 31st January 2030. The University of Cambridge actively supports equality, diversity, and inclusion, and encourages applications from all backgrounds. All applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK. To apply, candidates should submit a cover letter describing their research interests, a detailed CV including exam marks and practical experience, a list of publications, and the names and email addresses of at least two referees familiar with their research work. Applications should be made via the University of Cambridge job portal, quoting reference PH48291. For informal enquiries, contact Professor Florian Hollfelder at [email protected]. For questions regarding the application process, contact the Biochemistry HR Team at [email protected]. Further information about the supervisor and research group can be found at https://hollfelder.bioc.cam.ac.uk/ and details about the MetaExplore network at http://www.metaexplore.eu/ . The application deadline is 12 January 2025.