About the Project
Collagen-rich proteins are increasingly recognised as sustainable feedstocks for biotechnology, food innovation and bio-based manufacturing. However, their conversion into well-characterised peptide products remains challenging due to the unusual composition and structural properties of these proteins. Current hydrolysis processes often generate highly complex peptide mixtures, while commonly used analytical methods do not always provide an accurate picture of enzymatic breakdown.
This collaborative CASE PhD between the University of St Andrews and Planetfix will investigate the fundamental principles governing enzymatic processing of collagen-rich proteins and develop new approaches for their characterisation. The project will combine enzyme biochemistry, protein engineering and analytical science to understand how biocatalysts interact with complex protein substrates and how these interactions influence peptide generation and hydrolysis measurements.
The student will explore enzyme-substrate interactions using a range of biochemical and molecular approaches, identify factors influencing catalytic performance, and investigate strategies for improving control over enzymatic processing. In parallel, the project will evaluate and develop analytical methodologies that provide a more comprehensive understanding of protein hydrolysis and quantification of peptide composition.
The research will provide interdisciplinary training in enzymology, molecular biology, protein engineering, chromatography, mass spectrometry and quantitative data analysis. Through collaboration with Planetfix, the student will gain experience in industrial biotechnology, process development and translation of fundamental bioscience into sustainable technologies.
This project addresses fundamental questions in enzyme specificity and protein transformation while contributing to the development of innovative approaches for valorisation of biological resources. The outcomes are expected to have broad relevance across industrial biotechnology, food systems, enzyme development and sustainable manufacturing.
How to Apply
Application instructions can be found on the EASTBIO website - How to Apply | EastBio Doctoral Training Partnership | Biology
- Download and complete the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion survey.
- Download and complete the EASTBIO Application Form.
- Please complete an application on our online portal: How to apply - Study at St Andrews - University of St Andrews
- Select the course 'PhD with internship'
- Your online application must include the following documents:
- Completed EASTBIO application form
- Academic Qualifications
- English Language Qualification (if applicable)
- 2 References: this must be completed on the EASTBIO Reference Form, also found on the EASTBIO website.
Please download the EASTBIO reference form and send it to your referees. They can either upload it directly to the portal using the automated email they will receive, or they can email it to Rachel at pgrecbiology@st-andrews.ac.uk
Contact
Queries on the project can be directed to the project supervisor.
Queries on the application process can be directed to Rachel Horn at pgrecbiology@st-andrews.ac.uk
UKRI eligibility guidance: Terms and Conditions: View Website International/EU: View Website
Funding Notes
This 4 year PhD project is part of a competition funded by EASTBIO BBSRC Doctoral Training Partnership.
This opportunity is open to UK and International students and provides funding to cover stipend at UKRI standard rate and UK level tuition fees. The University of St Andrews will cover the Home-International fee difference.