Julea Butt
4 days ago
PhD Studentship: Click-to-Connect Cytochromes: Modular Components for Sustainable Electrical Circuits University of East Anglia in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Biochemistry
Funding
Available
Deadline
Nov 30, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of East Anglia
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About this position
PhD Studentship in Click-to-Connect Cytochromes: Modular Components for Sustainable Electrical Circuits at the University of East Anglia.
This project sits within the Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP) and explores how redox-active proteins, especially multiheme cytochromes, can be engineered as sustainable building blocks for novel electrical circuits. The research aims to create site-selective covalent linkages between cytochromes, redox partners, and electrodes, building on prior work showing that engineered proteins can conduct electrons between two electrodes.
The project will use site-specific mutagenesis, including the introduction of natural and non-canonical amino acids, to enable selective conjugation of multiple cytochromes in new conductive arrangements. Experimental methods include protein purification, protein engineering, spectroscopy, and dynamic electrochemistry. The successful applicant will gain training in biochemistry, biophysics, synthetic biology, and green chemistry, working in a supportive team with opportunities to attend national and international conferences.
Supervisor: Professor Julea Butt. Informal enquiries are welcome via [email protected].
Funding: This is a 4-year fully funded PhD DTP studentship. It covers tuition fees, a stipend for living costs (£21,805 for 2026/27), and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000 per year. The programme also includes a three-month Professional Internship Placement (PIPS) during the PhD.
Eligibility: Applicants should have at least a UK-equivalent Bachelor’s degree (Honours) at 2:1 level and meet the English language requirement (IELTS 6.5 overall, with 6.0 in each category, or equivalent).
Timing: The application deadline is 30 November 2026. The project is shortlisted for NRPDTP funding, with interviews scheduled for 2-4 February 2027. The intended start date is 1 October 2027.
Funding details
Available
What's required
At least UK-equivalent Bachelor’s degree (Honours) 2:1. English language requirement: IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each category (Faculty of Science equivalent). Full-time study.
How to apply
Apply via the University of East Anglia postgraduate research application portal. Use the bespoke personal and research statement templates from the NRPDTP website for the required sections. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 2, 3 and 4 February 2027.
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Professors
Professor at University of East Anglia
United Kingdom
Research Interests
Biochemistry
Biochemical Engineering
Photoelectrocatalysis
Nanoparticle Synthesis
Molecular Electronics
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.