University of East Anglia
1 week ago
PhD in carbohydrate-binding modules, starch digestion, and NMR at University of East Anglia University of East Anglia in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Pharmacology
Funding
Fully funded 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD studentship. Covers tuition fees paid directly to the University, a stipend for living expenses (£21,805 for 2026/27), and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000 per year.
Deadline
Nov 30, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of East Anglia
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About this position
PhD opportunity at the University of East Anglia in the School of Chemistry, based in Norwich, United Kingdom, on carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs), starch digestion, enzymology, NMR, biophysics, and structural biology.
This project, supervised by Professor Yaroslav Khimyak with a collaborative supervisory team in the Khimyak/Koev/Warren labs, investigates how CBM identity influences starch-binding affinity and hydrolysis kinetics. The research aims to connect carbohydrate hydrogel structure and mobility with digestion enzymology and advanced solid- and solution-state NMR to reveal how starch structures interact with amylases during digestion and how this affects starch hydrolysis in different regions of the human gut.
You will gain experience in materials science, biomedical methods, spectroscopy, and data analysis, including enzyme assay design, biophysical techniques, multivariate and correlative statistical analysis, and translation of findings into rational food design. The project is especially relevant to students interested in food science, molecular biology, pharmacology, physical chemistry, and structural methods.
The opportunity is part of the Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP) and is described as a fully funded 4-year PhD studentship. Funding includes tuition fees, an annual stipend for living costs, and a Research Training Support Grant. The programme also includes a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS).
Eligibility highlights: at least a UK-equivalent 2:1 Bachelor’s degree; English language requirement of IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each category; applicants from structural biology, pharmacology, biophysics, materials science, or related disciplines are encouraged to apply. Some NMR or advanced structural-tool experience is desirable.
Application notes: shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 2–4 February 2027. The post directs applicants to the NRPDTP website for full eligibility and application guidance, and notes that bespoke Personal and Research statement templates must be used.
Funding details
Fully funded 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD studentship. Covers tuition fees paid directly to the University, a stipend for living expenses (£21,805 for 2026/27), and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000 per year.
What's required
Applicants should have at least UK equivalent of a Bachelors (Honours) 2:1. English language proficiency is required at Faculty of Science equivalent level (IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each category). Backgrounds in structural biology, pharmacology, biophysics, materials science, or related areas are welcomed. Experience with NMR or other advanced structural tools is a plus. Full-time study is required.
How to apply
Visit the NRPDTP website for eligibility details and application instructions. Use the bespoke Personal and Research statement templates required by the programme. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 2–4 February 2027.
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Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.