Nick Le Brun

[4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD DTP studentship including 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 at the University of East Anglia in the School of Chemistry, Pharmacy and Pharmacology. This project investigates protein nanocages built from ferritin, a naturally self-assembling 24-subunit protein shell, and aims to engineer bacterial and human ferritins as platforms for encapsulating small molecules, peptides, and proteins. The research sits at the interface of protein biochemistry, engineering biology, and nanobiotechnology, with potential applications in biocatalysis as well as therapeutics and diagnostics. The student will work in the Le Brun lab and explore methods to optimise encapsulation and study how the nanocages transfer substrates, electrons, and protons across the protein shell. Target applications include technologically relevant enzymes such as hydrogenase for hydrogen production, and targeted delivery systems for therapeutic and diagnostic molecules. Training will include protein purification, bioanalytical methods, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and microscopy, offering strong experience in multidisciplinary experimental techniques within a supportive research environment. Funding is provided through a 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD studentship. The award includes payment of tuition fees, a stipend for living costs at £21,805 (2026/27 rate), and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000 per year. Eligibility includes at least a UK-equivalent 2:1 Bachelors (Honours) degree and English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each component. The application deadline is 30 November 2026, with a start date of 1 October 2027. Applications should be submitted via the University of East Anglia postgraduate research application portal.