PhD Studentship: Marie Curie ON-Tract PhD position in Protein Engineering and Machine Learning for Biocatalysis University of Cambridge in United Kingdom

[Marie Curie Rates; fixed-term funding available until 31st January 2029. Includes stipend and tuition as per Marie Curie programme.]

This PhD studentship is offered as part of the Marie Curie ON-Tract network at the University of Cambridge, under the supervision of Professor Florian Hollfelder in the Department of Biochemistry. The project focuses on protein engineering of enzymes, utilizing in vitro directed evolution and machine learning to advance biocatalysis for synthetic applications, particularly in the context of oligonucleotide constructs relevant to therapeutic development, including anti-cancer therapies.

The successful candidate will join a collaborative Horizon Europe Marie Curie network, working alongside leading EU and UK research groups. The research will involve developing ultrahigh throughput methods for in vitro evolution of enzymes such as IREDs and ligases, using techniques like error-prone PCR, site-saturation mutagenesis, and transposon-based InDel mutagenesis. Screening outputs will be analyzed using long-read nanopore sequencing and deep mutational scanning, with machine learning algorithms applied to interpret sequence-function relationships and guide the development of improved enzyme mutants.

The ON-Tract network provides extensive training opportunities, including organic synthesis, cell biology, and medical research, through collaborations with partner institutions across Europe. The position is fully funded for three years, with support provided at Marie Curie rates, covering stipend and tuition fees. Funding is available until 31st January 2029.

Applicants should hold a first or upper second class degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or a closely related field. 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 must submit a cover letter outlining research interests, a detailed CV with exam marks and practical experience, a list of publications, and contact details for at least two referees. Eligibility to live and work in the UK is required.

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]. The University of Cambridge is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and encourages applications from all backgrounds.