PhD Studentship: Carbohydrate-Binding Modules and Starch Digestion
Investigate how carbohydrate-binding modules control starch digestion to inform rational food design.
Best for:Best for graduate scientists in structural biology, biophysics, or materials science with an interest in advanced spectroscopy and cross-disciplinary research.
Overview
This 4-year PhD studentship at the University of East Anglia offers an exciting opportunity to explore the molecular mechanisms of starch digestion. Jointly supervised across the Khimyak, Koev, and Warren laboratories, the project integrates materials science, enzymology, and advanced nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The successful candidate will examine solid-liquid interfaces where starch digestion is initiated by amylases. The research aims to generate foundational insights that support the development of foods with tailored nutritional profiles.
What you'll do
- Design and execute enzyme assays and biophysical experiments to study starch-binding affinity and hydrolysis kinetics.
- Utilize advanced solid- and solution-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to analyze carbohydrate structures.
- Investigate the structure and mobility of carbohydrate hydrogels at solid-liquid interfaces.
- Perform multivariate and correlative statistical analysis on complex experimental datasets.
- Integrate experimental findings with the principles of rational food design.
Requirements
Degree required: BSc or equivalent in structural biology, pharmacology, biophysics, materials science, or related fields
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English
Instruction: English
- Background in structural biology, biophysics, materials science, pharmacology, or a related discipline
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across scientific disciplines
- Strong analytical and data interpretation skills
- Capacity to design and execute rigorous biophysical or biochemical experiments
- Open to applicants meeting the Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership admission criteria
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-30
Interested applicants are encouraged to make informal enquiries to the supervisory team before submitting an application. Formal applications must be completed online through the university postgraduate admissions portal following the provided external link.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Academic transcripts
- Reference letters
Contact
Yaroslav Khimyak· Professor
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