Establishing Thermus thermophilus as a biotechnology platform for biocatalysis

PhD in Chemistry: Establishing Thermus thermophilus as a biotechnology platform for biocatalysis

Supervisory team:

Dr Guto Rhys (Cardiff University) Dr Guto Rhys – People – Cardiff University

Dr Vicki Gold (University of Exeter) Vicki Gold Profile nearmejobs.eu University of Exeter

Dr Mark Young (Cardiff University)Dr Mark Young – People – Cardiff University

Prof Jennifer Littlechild (University of Exeter) Jennifer Littlechild Profile nearmejobs.eu University of Exeter

Whole-cell biocatalysis offers a sustainable route to the production of modern medicines and materials. One of the barriers to using biocatalytic approaches more generally is the intolerance of enzymes and organisms routinely used in industry to the demanding reaction conditions required, such as high temperature and the use of co-solvents. Therefore, there is a huge potential to expand biocatalysis by adapting more robust enzymes and organisms. Thermus thermophilus is a thermophilic gram-negative bacteria that has natural competence and an approximate optimal growth temperature of 65 °C. Therefore, it could be a robust host to perform new chemical reactions using engineered thermostable enzymes.

In this project, you will join an interdisciplinary supervisory team to study and develop Thermus thermophilus into a new biosynthetic platform. You will explore the tolerance limits of the organism to organic solvents, pH and temperature, and will uncover the cellular phenotypic and morphological changes that occur at these environmental extremes.

With this information in-hand, you will use recombinant protein expression to explore the production of engineered enzymes in Thermus thermophilus, and seek to produce high-value compounds using whole-cell biocatalysis. The technology developed in this project will provide an equitable solution to the bioproduction of medicines and materials, as the reactions will tolerate hotter ambient temperatures. This avoids the need for expensive cooling systems, and provides a future-proof approach to biocatalysis in the context of an increasing global temperature. The training offered in this project is highly multidisciplinary, combining molecular biology, structural biology, and enzyme engineering. Therefore, upon completing your degree, you will be highly employable in the growing biotechnological sector. You will be immersed in two research groups (Rhys and Gold), enabling you to learn science from broad scientific disciplines.

The project is offered full or part time, however some experiments will require working on 2 or 3 consecutive days. We encourage anyone to apply with an undergraduate or master’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or similar training from another degree. The supervisory team provide a supportive environment that cares about the development of their students and staff. We are open to anyone looking to contribute to making the research groups diverse, inclusive and friendly environment. Our aim as the SWBio DTP is to support students from a range of backgrounds and circumstances. Where needed, we will work with you to take into consideration reasonable project adaptations (for example to support caring responsibilities, disabilities, other significant personal circumstances) as well as flexible working and part-time study requests, to enable greater access to a PhD. All our supervisors support us with this aim, so please feel comfortable in discussing further with the listed PhD project supervisor to see what is feasible.

This project is part of the PhD studentships with the South West Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (SWBio DTP)

Up to 34 fully-funded 4-year PhD studentships* available to start in September 2025, across a wide range of bioscience disciplines.

To view projects available, and how to apply, visit the SWBio DTP website.

The BBSRC-funded SWBio DTP involves a partnership of world-renown universities, research institutes and industry, based mainly across the South West and Wales.

First year

We provide a broad awareness of the fundamental research approaches in biosciences and how they could be applied to real-life situations through:

• two rotation projects – both allied with but in different disciplinary areas related to the PhD project.
• three taught units – training in Statistics, Bioinformatics, coding, experimental design, innovation and understanding the impact of your research.

Note: You will need to complete the first year to progress into your second year of studies. 

Further information >>

Second to fourth years

The remaining years will be more like a conventional PhD, where you will focus on your PhD project.

Placements

To help broaden your career horizons, you will undertake

·     a 3-month placement of your choice, outside of an academic research environment

examples include working within policy, science communication, industry and scientific publishing.

These are to provide you with highly desirable skills, experience and knowledge that can be applied to many career sectors.

About our placement schemes >>

Cohort activities

You will have the opportunity to join many partnership cohort activities, such as student conferences, workshops and outreach events. Here you will meet students across the partnership, giving you access to a thriving multidisciplinary and supportive student network.

About our cohort activities >

Equality and Diversity

We support inclusive and flexible work environments, and welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities.

Our SWBio DTP EDI statement >>

How we support our diverse student cohort >>

PhD study adjustments and support >>

DTP virtual support events

We have events available to help you with deciding on a bioscience PhD, and support with applications and interviews.

Further information >>

How to apply

Applicants should apply to the Biosciences – Study – Cardiff University with a start date of 1 October 2025. Apply through the ‘Apply’ box in the top of the linked webpage. Select Doctor of Philosophy and then click “Apply now”. Application deadline is midnight on Wednesday 11th December. Interviews for shortlisted candidates will be between 3rd and 14th February 2025. 

In the research proposal section of your application, please specify the project title and supervisors of this project. In the funding section, please specify that you are applying for advertised funding from SWBio DTP. Please provide a CV and personal statement, along with details of your academic qualifications.

The studentship selection process will take place in two stages. See Selection process – SWBiosciences Doctoral Training Partnership for details.

How to apply – SWBiosciences Doctoral Training Partnership