PhD Studentship – Bioprocess: Harnessing Biocatalysis Toward Next-Generation Nucleoside Triphos[...]

RFCSR; Manchester; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 19,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition coverage

Tax-free stipend

4-year program

Job summary

The University of Manchester invites applications for a fully funded PhD Studentship in Bioprocess: Harnessing Biocatalysis Toward Next-Generation Nucleoside Triphosphates. Based in Manchester, UK, the project focuses on enzymatic pathways for nucleoside triphosphate production, employing biocatalytic strategies and modern bioprocess engineering.

Eligibility includes a first-class honours or equivalent, with strength in chemistry/biochemistry/engineering.

Qualifications

• This studentship expects a strong academic record in chemistry-related disciplines.
• The candidate should demonstrate interest in enzymology, molecular biology, and sustainable bioprocessing.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimise enzymatic pathways for nucleoside triphosphate production.
• Conduct molecular biology, enzymology, and fermentation experiments.
• Participate in process optimisation and analytical chemistry within a collaborative team.

Skills

Enzyme assays

Recombinant protein expression

Purification methods

Chromatography

Analytical chemistry

Bioprocess development

Experimental design

Data analysis

Education

First-class honours degree (or 2:1) in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology

Tools

Chromatography instrumentation

Spectrophotometry

Molecular biology techniques

Job description

PhD Studentship – Bioprocess: Harnessing Biocatalysis Toward Next-Generation Nucleoside Triphosphates

University of Manchester
Manchester, United Kingdom

This fully funded PhD studentship at The University of Manchester’s Department of Chemistry offers a unique opportunity to contribute to pioneering research in biocatalysis and sustainable bioprocess development. The project focuses on the design and optimisation of enzymatic pathways for the production of nucleoside triphosphates, key building blocks for DNA and RNA synthesis with applications in pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and synthetic biology. The research aims to develop efficient, scalable, and environmentally friendly processes leveraging biocatalytic strategies, mechanistic enzyme understanding, and modern bioprocess engineering. Students will gain experience in molecular biology, enzymology, fermentation, process optimisation, and analytical chemistry, within a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment that bridges academia and industry.

Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a first-class honours degree (or equivalent) or a good 2:1 in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or a closely related discipline. Strong academic performance and a demonstrable interest in enzymology, molecular biology, and sustainable bioprocessing are essential.

Required Expertise, Skills
The ideal candidate will have practical experience or strong interest in laboratory techniques such as enzyme assays, recombinant protein expression, purification methods, chromatography, and analytical characterization. Familiarity with bioprocess development principles, experimental design, and data analysis will support success in the project. Creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team are essential.

Salary Details
The studentship includes full tuition fee coverage and an annual tax-free stipend at the UKRI standard rate, supporting the researcher throughout the four-year PhD programme.

Application Deadline
Applications close on 17 March 2026.