Yaroslav Khimyak
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PhD Studentship: Cracking the carbohydrate code: how carbohydrate-binding modules control starch digestion University of East Anglia in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Chemistry
Funding
Available
Deadline
Nov 30, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of East Anglia
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About this position
PhD studentship at the University of East Anglia on cracking the carbohydrate code: how carbohydrate-binding modules control starch digestion.
This project sits at the intersection of food science, carbohydrate biochemistry, biophysics, and advanced spectroscopy. It addresses a major question in starch digestion: how amylases and carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs) influence starch-binding affinity and hydrolysis kinetics, especially at the solid–liquid interfaces where digestion begins. The work aims to uncover molecular-level details of how starch structures interact with amylases at different stages of digestion and how these interactions affect hydrolysis in different regions of the human gut.
You will work across carbohydrate hydrogel structure and mobility, digestion enzymology, and advanced Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). Training will include starch interface structure and dynamics, enzyme assay design, enzymology and biophysical methods, cutting-edge solid- and solution-state NMR for carbohydrates, data analysis, and multivariate/correlative statistical analysis. The project is designed to support rational food design with tailored digestive profiles.
You will be jointly supervised in the Khimyak / Koev / Warren labs, offering a collaborative and cross-disciplinary research environment. The project is based at the Norwich Research Park, one of the UK’s largest concentrations of life scientists, with strong research infrastructure and hands-on training opportunities.
Applicants with backgrounds in structural biology, pharmacology, biophysics, materials science, or related areas are encouraged to apply. Experience with NMR or other advanced structural tools is a plus. The studentship is a 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership award, with tuition fees covered, a stipend of £21,805 for 2026/27, and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000 per year.
Application deadline: 30 November 2026.
Funding details
Available
What's required
Applicants should have a background in structural biology, pharmacology, biophysics, materials science, or a related field. Some experience with NMR or other advanced structural tools is preferred, and applicants should be comfortable working across disciplines.
How to apply
Apply through the University of East Anglia postgraduate research application portal. Use the application link provided and submit before 30 November 2026. Informal enquiries can be directed to Prof Yaroslav Khimyak by email.
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Professors
Prof at University of East Anglia
United Kingdom
Research Interests
Polymer Chemistry
Polymer Physics
Nmr Spectroscopy
Materials Science
Nanostructured Materials
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