Marie Curie MetaExplore PhD position (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious academic institution in Cambridge is seeking a doctoral candidate for a research position focused on functional metagenomics and novel biocatalysts. The project involves developing ultrahigh throughput assays and collaborating with various EU partners. Ideal candidates will have a strong educational background in chemistry or biochemistry, as well as experience in related techniques. This fixed-term position is funded from February 2026 to January 2030, offering a competitive salary.

Qualifications

• Applicants should have a strong academic background in chemistry or biochemistry.
• Familiarity with relevant techniques in molecular biology is advantageous.
• Experience in high-throughput screening environments is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Develop ultrahigh throughput assays for novel biocatalysts.
• Collaborate with various EU and UK groups.
• Investigate and improve candidate enzymes through directed evolution.

Skills

Molecular and chemical biology techniques

Assay development

Enzyme kinetics

DNA library generation

Structural biology

Organic synthesis

High-throughput screening

Mechanistic enzymology

Bioinformatics

Microfluidic engineering

Education

First (or upper second) class degree in chemistry, biochemistry or a related subject

Job description

Only for registered members

Cambridge

GBP 80,000 - 100,000

Functional metagenomics – novel biocatalysts for a sustainable circular economy from ultrahigh throughput screening.

A doctoral position is available to work with Professor Florian Hollfelder at the Biochemistry Department of Cambridge University (https://hollfelder.bioc.cam.ac.uk/). The project is part of the Horizon Europe EU Marie Curie Network MetaExplore (http://www.metaexplore.eu/) and involves collaborations with various EU and UK groups on harnessing environmental sources for novel biocatalysts that may play a role in future sustainable processes with higher resource and energy efficiency.

We will develop ultrahigh throughput assays to screen metagenomic libraries for new catalysts for applications in recycling, bioremediation and green chemistry. Candidate enzymes are mechanistically investigated, structurally characterised and subsequently improved by directed evolution. Ultrahigh-throughput screening in microfluidic picoliter droplets allows us to interrogate enzyme libraries with more than 10 million members experimentally in a day, increasing the chances of success in catalyst discovery.

Various collaborations with MetaExplore network partners across Europe allow a particularly wide skills training, including experimental and computational work.

Qualifications

Applicants should thus have a first (or upper second) class degree in chemistry, biochemistry or a related, relevant subject. Familiarity with molecular and chemical biology techniques and specific skills in assay development, enzyme kinetics, DNA library generation, structural biology, organic synthesis, high-throughput screening, mechanistic enzymology, bioinformatics and microfluidic engineering are advantages.

Applications should contain a description of research interests (e.g., as part of the cover letter), a detailed CV (with exam marks and all relevant practical experience) and a list of publications. Please also include the names and email addresses of at least two referees, who are familiar with your research work.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available from 1st February 2026 until 31st January 2030, in the first instance.

How to Apply

Click the ‘Apply’ button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online. Please quote reference PH48291 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

Contact Information

For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Florian Hollfelder via: [e-mail].
For queries regarding the application process, please contact the Biochemistry HR Team via: [e-mail].

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.