Design and engineering of peptides and proteins to create artificial metalloenzymes

About the Project

The Rhys lab is an exciting new lab looking to recruit new students to design and engineer peptides and proteins for new applications (rhyslab.com). One of our current focuses is on engineering new artificial metalloenzymes. These are metal-containing proteins that can be engineered to catalyse reactions that have not been observed in nature. We are particularly interested in developing environmentally friendly alternatives to current chemical reactions and exploring unique regioselective and stereoselective outcomes made possible with these new-to-nature enzymes.

Projects in this area are highly interdisciplinary. PhD students will have the opportunity to learn skills from several fields including computational protein design, molecular biology, structural biology and chemical synthesis. These combined skills will make graduating students highly employable in academia and industry.

Don’t hesitate to get in contact with Dr Rhys directly if you can self-fund a PhD studentship or have identified a PhD scholarship that you are eligible to apply for. Please also contact Dr Rhys if you interested in discussing other ongoing projects in the Rhys lab related to the design and engineering of peptides and proteins.

Dr Guto Rhys - People - Cardiff University

The Rhys lab is a supportive environment that cares about the development of its students and staff. We encourage you to apply regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation. We are open to anyone looking to contribute to making the lab a diverse, inclusive and friendly environment.

Academic criteria

Applicants should have, or are predicted to have, a good grade in a university subject related to Chemistry or Biochemistry. For example, a UK 2.1 honours or US 3.2 (4-pt) GPA or higher.

If English is not your first language that you must fulfil our English Language criteria before the start of your studies. Details of accepted English Language qualifications for admissions can be found here https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/international/english-language-requirements/postgraduate

How to apply

To apply please complete the online application - https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/programmes/programme/chemistry and state the project title and supervisor name

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive environment for all. We welcome applications from all members of the global community irrespective of age, disability, sex, gender identity, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation.

We have a range of academics in the School of Chemistry, Cardiff University accepting applications from self-funded PhD students. A list of all our currently available research projects can be found here - PhD project themes - School of Chemistry - Cardiff University

Funding Notes

This PhD post is open to self-funded Home, EU and International students.