PhD in Polymer Nanodiscs for Membrane Proteins

The University of Manchester; Manchester; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Manchester invites applications for a four-year PhD studentship focused on developing chemically defined polymers to extract and study membrane proteins in native-like nanodiscs. The project integrates polymer synthesis, membrane biophysics, and analytical characterization to understand polymer–membrane interactions and nanodisc formation.

The successful candidate will contribute to synthesising amphiphilic polymers, evaluating their ability to solubilise membrane proteins, and

Qualifications

• Applicants are expected to hold (or be about to obtain) a minimum upper second-class undergraduate honours degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Biochemistry or a related molecular science.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize libraries of amphiphilic polymers in the Gibson group using automated polymer synthesis.
• Characterise polymers with NMR spectroscopy and size-exclusion chromatography.
• Investigate polymer structure–activity relationships to guide polymer design and membrane protein extraction.

Education

Minimum upper second-class undergraduate honours degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Biochemistry or related molecular science

Tools

NMR spectroscopy

Size-exclusion chromatography

Job description

The University of Manchester invites applications for a four-year PhD studentship focused on developing chemically defined polymers to extract and study membrane proteins in native-like nanodiscs. The project integrates polymer synthesis, membrane biophysics, and analytical characterization to understand polymer–membrane interactions and nanodisc formation.

The successful candidate will contribute to synthesising amphiphilic polymers, evaluating their ability to solubilise membrane proteins, and