Sustainable protein production for therapeutic and biotechnological applications (WILKINSON_J24CASE)

Streptomyces spp. are characterised by a complex secondary metabolism which is the basis of many agrichemicals and clinical pharmaceuticals including almost half of all antibiotics. 

They also offer an alternative to E. coli and yeast to develop a new and sustainable protein and peptide production platform with industrial application, especially to produce otherwise difficult to manufacture proteins and peptides with therapeutic, agrichemical and biotechnological applications. This will be the focus of the project. 

The successful candidate will have access to cutting-edge research facilities within the John Innes Centre as well as a stimulating interdisciplinary research and training environment, and they will gain an excellent foundation in biochemistry, protein production, molecular microbiology, synthetic biology, chemical biology and enzymology. 

They will also work closely with the team at a leading UK biotechnology company with whom they will interact extensively. As such the project offers an opportunity to learn a plethora of techniques and research approaches, and the combination of skills and experience provided by this studentship will make the successful candidate highly employable in both academia and industry. 

The Norwich Research Park (NRP) Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (DTP) is offering fully-funded studentships for October 2024 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 students undertake a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS) during their study. The placement offers exciting and invaluable work 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 potentially be interviewed on either the 14 or 15 August 2024.

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.