EU Marie-Curie PhD Studentship: Directed Protein Evolution for Synthetic Biology and Biocatalysis (Fixed Term)
A graduate studentship leading to the award of a PhD is available from 1 March 2017 (or later) to work at Cambridge University in the Biochemistry Department (with Dr. F. Hollfelder –http://www.bioc.cam.ac.uk/hollfelder) and at the Biocatalysis Research Center of Johnsson Matthey. The studentship is in the context of the EU Marie-Curie network ES-Cat (http://www.bioc.cam.ac.uk/hollfelder/Research/es-cat) on Directed Protein Evolution for Synthetic Biology and Biocatalysis.
DEPARTMENT/LOCATION : Department of Biochemistry, Central Cambridge
REFERENCE : PH09908
CATEGORY : Studentships
PUBLISHED : 18 August 2016
CLOSING DATE : 10 September 2016
Objective :
The objective of the project is the directed evolution of enzymes for chiral chemo-enzymatic synthesis of industrially relevant enzymes. The use of the most powerful ultrahigh throughput format available, microfluidic droplets, will make selections from libraries with more than a million members possible. In addition to man-made randomized protein libraries, we will also select from metagenomic libraries. Kinetic and structural analysis will help to delineate the chemical and evolutionary mechanisms that allow the emergence of new and improved activities.
Candidates will be based in Cambridge working in the Biochemistry Department of Cambridge University and also at Johnsson Matthey in the Cambridge Sceince
Park. Extended secondments in the labs of the academic and industrial network partners (http://www.bioc.cam.ac.uk/hollfelder/Research/es-cat/es-catfront#partnerlist) are also envisaged. All students take part in a training programme that includes workshops, meetings and courses.How to Apply :
Applicants should have a first (or upper second) class degree in biochemistry, biotechnology, chemistry or a related, relevant subject. Specific skills in protein engineering, directed evolution, enzymology, biocatalysis, organic synthesis and familiarity with molecular biology techniques (e.g. cloning, DNA manipulation, preparation and handling of DNA libraries) are advantages.
The full stipend will be paid at rates of the EU Marie-Curie programme for the 3 year duration of the award (€44896.96 per annum) and mobility allowance (€7200).
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 36 months in the first instance.
Applications should contain a description of your research interests (e.g. as part of the cover letter) and your detailed CV (with exam marks and all relevant practical experience). Please also include the names and email-addresses of at least two referees, who know you from your courses or laboratory research work.
Send your application by 10 September 2016 by email to [email protected].
Please quote reference PH09908 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
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