Beyond normal - Proteins in Alien Environments (Ref: CG-AC-2525)

About the Project

What would happen if the liquid enabling life were not water, but a class of molecules with a similar melting range known as 'ionic liquids'? Ionic liquids are, simply, liquids made of ions usually defined as having melting temperatures below 100C, for which there are millions of possible options. But the charges of these ions deliver quite different physicochemical properties, and are able to modify the 3D-structure of proteins.

We seek a keen researcher willing to use a mixture of experimental and computational techniques to unravel the underlying principles behind protein structure in different ionic liquids, so that we can predictively redesign both the protein landscape and target new and renewably sourced ionic liquids for applications ranging from biosensors and 3D-printed materials to healthcare. And maybe just answer the question of what life might be like if it developed in these highly-charged environments.

As part of our team, you will develop new experimental high-throughput screening approaches, explore protein structure using computational methods including molecular dynamics, and apply machine-learning principles to solve this multi-variate puzzle. You will also have a range of opportunities to gain valuable transferrable skills (including through our doctoral college), network with international partners, and be well-set up for a role in either industry, data science or academia at the end of the programme.

Name of primary supervisor/CDT lead:
Professor Anna K Croft a.k.croft@lboro.ac.uk

Entry requirements:
Applicants should have at least, or expect to achieve, a 1st or good 2:1 MChem, MEng, or MSci or equivalent in an appropriate scientific discipline including chemistry, physics, computing, biology, or engineering, with a background in and passion for chemical sciences. You will join a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive research team at Loughborough led by Prof Anna K Croft, with opportunities for collaboration with other internationally leading groups in academia and industry.

English language requirements:
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.

Bench fees required: Yes - Bench fee value: 4000

Closing date of advert: 3rd August 2026

Start date: July 2026, October 2026

Full-time/part-time availability: Full-time 3 years, Part-time 6 years

Fee band: 2025/26 Band RB (UK £5,006, International £28,600)

How to apply:

• Stage 1: You are strongly advised to contact Professor Anna Croft in the first instance on a.k.croft@lboro.ac.uk with a CV, academic transcripts, a reference letter, and confirmation of funding source. Informal discussions are also welcome.
• Stage 2: Following discussion with Professor Anna Croft, applicants will be invited to make a formal application at online. Under programme name, select ‘Chemical Engineering’ and quote the advert reference number CG-AC-2525 in your application

Project search terms:
artificial intelligence, biochemistry, computational chemistry, data analysis, machine learning, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, high-throughput, proteins, automation