PhD Studentship: Light-Triggered Enzyme Catalysis Inside Vesicle Microreactors

Primary Supervisor - Professor Julea Butt 

This exciting project will engineer light-driven microreactors converting nitrate to ammonia thereby delivering proof-of-principle for a sustainable technology converting a widespread pollutant to a valuable fertiliser and chemical feedstock. 

Harnessing sunlight as an abundant and sustainable source of energy to drive the upcycling of waste presents an attractive strategy to mitigate climate change. For this purpose, smart bio-inspired systems are particularly attractive and we previously demonstrated light-driven reduction of the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide in self-assembled vesicle microreactors. Catalytic nitrous oxide reduction was performed by an enzyme operating in aqueous solution under ambient conditions. That chemistry was driven by electrons supplied by robust, light-harvesting Carbon-Dots. Building on that success, this project will assemble vesicles performing the photocatalytic reduction of nitrate to ammonia using an entrapped enzyme cascade. Effective transport of reactants and products across the vesicle bilayer will be achieved with protein nanowires, ionophores and pore-forming proteins.

The project will involve protein purification, protein engineering, spectroscopy, photochemistry, analytical chemistry, enzymology and polymer chemistry. Working in an enthusiastic and supportive team the student will become expert in state-of-the-art (bio)chemistry, biophysics and photocatalysis. They will also expand their knowledge of synthetic biology and green chemistry, and benefit from opportunities to participate in national and international conferences.

Informal enquiries are encouraged, please contact Professor Julea Butt (j.butt@uea.ac.uk) for further information.   

The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP) is offering fully funded studentships for October 2025 entry. The programme offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. You will join a vibrant community of world-leading researchers. All NRPDTP CASE students undertake a three to 18-month placement with the non-academic partner during their study. The placement offers experience designed to enhance professional development. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team. Students with, or expecting to attain, at least an upper second-class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply.  

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the NRPDTP. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 28, 29 or 30 January 2025.  

Visit our website for further information on eligibility and how to apply: https://biodtp.norwichresearchpark.ac.uk/

Our partners value diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background. 

Funding Details

Additional Funding Information 

This project is awarded with a 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD DTP studentship. The studentship includes payment of tuition fees (directly to the University), a stipend to cover living expenses (2024/5 stipend rate: £19,237), and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000pa for each year of the studentship. 

Closing Date: 25 November 2024 (at 11.59 pm) 

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