Amr El-Demerdash
11 months ago
This position has expired. You can find similar positions from the section below or browse our positions listing pages.
PhD in Biocatalysis and Chemical Biology for Drug Discovery University of East Anglia in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Pharmacology
Funding
This is a fully funded BBSRC NRPDTP studentship covering tuition fees and providing a stipend. The student will also undertake a three-month industrial placement at Prozomix Ltd. Funding includes research training and industrial experience.
Deadline
Dec 2, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of East Anglia
Suggested positions
Keywords
About this position
A fully funded PhD studentship is available at the University of East Anglia, supervised by Amr El-Demerdash (Group leader and Assistant Professor in Chemical Biology) and Professor Rob Field. The project focuses on biocatalytic diversification of complex natural products to enhance their therapeutic performance, using green chemistry approaches for drug discovery. Students will work at the interface of chemistry, biology, and sustainability, tackling challenges in drug development through innovative, eco-friendly methods.
The research involves modifying natural products such as plumbagin, lithocholic acid, and camptothecin using advanced biocatalysts (cytochrome P450s, hydroxylases, flavin-dependent halogenases). The aim is to improve solubility, metabolic stability, and reduce toxicity, thereby increasing clinical potential. The project includes collaboration with Prozomix Ltd., an industrial leader in enzyme development, offering a three-month placement for industrial experience in enzyme production and biocatalytic process development.
Training will cover biocatalysis, enzyme screening, natural product derivatization, analytical chemistry (NMR, LC-MS, HPLC), and mammalian cell-based pharmacology. Applicants should have a background in biological chemistry, medicinal chemistry, biochemistry, or related disciplines, and a strong interest in enzyme-enabled drug discovery. The studentship is fully funded by the BBSRC NRPDTP, covering tuition and stipend. Applications are open until 2nd December 2025, with the program starting on 1st October 2026. For more details and to apply, visit the Norwich Research Park DTP website.
Funding details
This is a fully funded BBSRC NRPDTP studentship covering tuition fees and providing a stipend. The student will also undertake a three-month industrial placement at Prozomix Ltd. Funding includes research training and industrial experience.
What's required
Applicants should have a background in biological chemistry, medicinal chemistry, biochemistry, or related disciplines. A keen interest in enzyme-enabled drug discovery is preferred. Experience in analytical chemistry, cell-based assays, or pharmacology is advantageous. No specific GPA or language test requirements are mentioned.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Professors
Group leader and Assistant Professor in Chemical Biology
United Kingdom
Research Interests
Pharmacology
Analytical Chemistry
Chemical Biology
Biology
Chemistry
Professor
United Kingdom
Research Interests
Pharmacology
Analytical Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemical Biology
Biology
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.