Julea Butt

[4-year fully funded Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD studentship. Includes tuition fees paid directly to the University, a stipend for living expenses at the 2026/27 rate of £21,805, and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000 per year.] 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.