PhD Studentship: Building Bioelectronic Components Through Naturally Occurring Biological Wires

Primary supervisor - Prof Thomas Clarke

A large and diverse range of bacterial proteins known as cytochromes contain closely packed hemes arranged in chains or clusters. These multiheme cytochromes function in the cell as biomolecular wires and capacitors that store and transfer electrons within different compartments of the bacterial cell. At the UEA we have isolated and characterised several of these cytochromes, allowing the exciting possibility of building them into larger bioelectronic assemblies with enhanced functionality. This EPSRC CASE PhD, in collaboration with the UK Defence and Science Technology Laboratory (DSTL), aims to explore these avenues of research. The PhD will focus on manipulating naturally occurring forked heme chains that are recombinantly expressed in Shewanella oneidensis; engineering them to serve as bioelectronic junctions, fusing them to other multiheme cytochromes that serve as capacitors, and polymerising them into larger electron transfer networks. Working with research teams led by Professors Tom Clarke and Julea Butt, the student will learn a range of different techniques including molecular biology, cloning, protein purification, biophysical characterisation, electrochemistry and spectroscopy. As an EPSRC Case PhD, part of the project will involve a placement at the DSTL, where the student will gain experience in additional methodologies and working in a national government facility.  

Start date: 1 October 2025

Mode of study: Full-time

Entry requirements: The standard minimum entry requirement is 2:1 (Hons) in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology.

Funding Details

Additional Funding Information

This PhD studentship is funded for 4 years by an EPSRC iCASE grant. This includes payment of tuition fees, and an enhanced stipend of £22,737 to cover living expenses.

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