PhD Studentship: Click-to-Connect Cytochromes
Engineer multiheme cytochromes as modular electronic components for sustainable circuits.
Best for:Best for biology or biochemistry graduates with a strong interest in protein engineering and biophysics.
Overview
The University of East Anglia's School of Biological Sciences is offering a four-year fully funded PhD studentship within the Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme. Supervised by Professor Julea Butt, the research focuses on engineering multiheme cytochromes through site-specific mutagenesis to serve as modular conductive components for novel electronic circuitry. The successful candidate will apply protein engineering, purification, spectroscopy, and dynamic electrochemistry to advance green chemistry and synthetic biology. In addition to rigorous laboratory research, the student will participate in professional training and complete a three-month professional internship placement.
What you'll do
- Perform site-specific mutagenesis to introduce natural and non-canonical amino acids into multiheme cytochromes
- Purify and characterize engineered proteins using biochemical and biophysical techniques
- Investigate protein-based electrical conductivity and dynamic electrochemistry for electronic circuitry applications
- Collaborate within an interdisciplinary research team across biological and physical sciences
- Participate in national and international scientific conferences to present research findings
- Complete a three-month professional internship placement during the course of the doctoral studies
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelors (Honours) 2:1 degree or UK equivalence in a relevant scientific discipline
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6 in each category, or Faculty of Science equivalent
Instruction: English
- Background in biological sciences, biochemistry, biophysics, or a related discipline
- Understanding of protein structure, function, and engineering principles
- Experience or strong academic familiarity with laboratory research techniques such as protein purification
- Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving capabilities for experimental design
- Open to applicants meeting the academic and English language entry criteria for the doctoral training programme
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-30
Candidates must submit their applications through the university's designated online admissions portal. Applicants are required to use specific bespoke templates provided on the programme website for their Personal and Research statements. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for interviews following an initial review.
- CV
- Personal statement
- Research statement
- Academic transcripts
- Reference letters
Contact
Julea Butt· Primary Supervisor
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