De novo enzyme design for biosynthesis

About the Project

A PhD studentship is available in the groups of Dr Meilan Huang and Dr Mark McLaughlin, Queen’s University Belfast, as part of the cross-institutional BioAID Doctoral Training Programme, including world-leading experts from Queen's University Belfast, University of Manchester, University of Edinburgh and University of Bristol.

BioAID will train the next generation of scientists in Artificial Intelligence and data-driven approaches for translational biocatalysis, addressing critical needs in the development of sustainable biotechnologies. The programme will equip PhD students with advanced expertise in enzyme science, machine learning, enzyme engineering and synthetic biology, accelerating innovation across sections including pharmaceuticals, agri-tech and clean manufacturing. Students will undertake interdisciplinary, co-supervised projects across biocatalysis and AI, supported by national computing infrastructure, hands-on laboratory training, and strong academic/industry partnerships through co-designed projects and placements. In addition, students will benefit from structured cohort training and tailored professional development delivered by partner institutions.

This project focuses on the generative design of transition metal-containing cytochrome P450 enzymes and dehydrogenases for the biosynthesis of bioactive compounds.

A generalisable modelling pipeline will be developed to generate and predict enzyme variants by integrating P450-specific data with state-of-the-art deep learning models. Physics-based descriptors derived from molecular modelling and density functional theory (DFT) calculations Machine Learning Potentials (MLPs) will also be developed and applied to efficiently evaluate reaction profiles and energetic landscapes, enabling accurate and scalable screening of designed enzyme libraries. The resulting pipeline will provide a versatile foundation for the design of optimised enzymes suitable for scale-up biosynthesis of target compounds.

How to apply

Applications will only be considered if they are submitted via the QUB Direct Application portal https://myportal.qub.ac.uk/SignIn?ReturnUrl=%2Fpg-admission-application-list%2F

In your application, include the project title and supervisor name and include contact details of two referees.

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

If you have any queries regarding making an application please contact our admissions team postgrad.admissions@qub.ac.uk,

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion are fundamental to the success of Queen's University Belfast, and are at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.

We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).

Funding Notes

The studentship is fully funded for 48 months as part of the BioAid CTD led by Queen's University Belfast. The award covers tuition fees and an annual stipend at the UKRI rate, for 2025-26 this is £20,780 per annum, for a candidate satisfying UKRI residency criteria. Award of funding is subject to final confirmation of BBSRC funding.

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The scheme is open to UK and international students.

• Fulfil Queen’s University Belfast entry requirements
• Hold (or expect to achieve) a First Class or 2:1 UK honours degree (or international equivalent to be checked with QUB admission team).
• Ideally hold a master’s-level qualification at merit or distinction (or international equivalent to be checked with QUB admission team).

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply. Please email m.huang@qub.ac.uk