PhD Studentship: AMPLIFY: Advancing Membrane Protein Learning for Improved Factorial Yield

Supervisors: Prof. Phillip Stansfeld, Chemistry, Dr Alex Darlington, Engineering 

Membrane proteins are vital for cellular function and are targets for over 50% of modern pharmaceuticals. Despite their importance, producing these proteins at scale remains a major challenge.

Here we aim to AMPLIFY the production of membrane proteins through cutting-edge metabolic and molecular modelling tools. This project combines state-of-the-art protein engineering with AI-driven analysis to optimise yields and study protein stability.

By mastering these techniques, you’ll contribute to breakthroughs in biomedical research and drug development, gaining invaluable skills in membrane protein science and computational (bio)chemistry.

Membrane proteins are critical for functions like nutrient transport, signal transduction, and energy conversion in cells. However, their hydrophobic nature and complex structure make them notoriously difficult to express and purify. Our AMPLIFY project aims to address these challenges by developing innovative methods to improve membrane protein yields, ensuring they retain their functional integrity. You’ll work at the cutting edge of structural biology, employing computational techniques to tackle real-world problems in protein science. 

Through this project, you’ll learn to design optimal cell factories for membrane protein production, using AI-driven models to predict and improve protein stability and expression. This multidisciplinary approach will prepare you for diverse career opportunities in academia, industry, and beyond. 

Join us to tackle this global challenge and AMPLIFY your scientific expertise, you’ll contribute to advancements in engineering biology and gain experience in solving one of the most pressing challenges in pharmaceutical science. Whether you’re fascinated by molecular mechanisms or intrigued by the potential of AI, AMPLIFY offers a unique chance to learn and apply cutting-edge methods that are having real-world impact. 

Find out more: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/hetsys/themes/projects2025

About us:

The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Modelling of Heterogeneous Systems (HetSys), based at the University of Warwick, offers an exceptional opportunity for students from physical sciences, life sciences, mathematics, statistics and engineering backgrounds who are passionate about applying their mathematical expertise to tackle complex, real-world problems.

By fostering these skills, HetSys trains the next generation of experts to challenge the cutting-edge of computational modelling in diverse, heterogeneous systems. These systems span a wide range of exciting research areas, including nanoscale devices, innovative catalysts, superalloys, smart fluids, space plasmas, and more.

HetSys offers a vibrant and supportive research environment, ideal for nurturing creativity and academic growth. Our interdisciplinary student community spans multiple cohorts, each at different stages of their PhD journey, creating a rich, collaborative atmosphere.

Funding Details

Additional Funding Information

Awards for both UK residents and international applicants pay a stipend to cover maintenance as well as paying the university fees and a research training support. The stipend is at the standard UKRI rate.

For more details visit: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/hetsys/apply/funding/

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