About the Project
Artificial enzymes act as unique tools to expand the biocatalytic toolbox to include reactions from chemistry that are not found in nature. Using either bioconjugation approaches or genetic code expansion we have shown that a variety of synthetic cofactors (metal complexes(1), thiamine cofactors(2)) can be introduced to inactive protein scaffolds to create enzymes. Initially many of these artificial enzymes have low activities and stereoselectivities. Directed evolution and AI approaches can…
optimise enzymes using natural components, but their effectiveness is limited when bioconjugation or unnatural amino acids are used, particularly due to the current scarcity of structural data available in databases (including the pdb) and related catalytic data. One of our protein scaffolds – ttSCP – crystallises rapidly making it an ideal system for expanding our structural knowledge of artificial enzymes via high throughput structural studies.
This project will use ttSCP as a structural platform to investigate a variety of artificial metalloenzymes (ArMs) with a range of metal binding ligands and metal centres including Cu, Fe and Pd for C-C bond forming reactions and selective oxidations(3). Both bioconjugation and genetic code expansion routes(1,4) will be explored for ArM design, using a range of unnatural amino acids developed in the Jarvis group. In collaboration with Prof Dominic Campopiano, we will also investigate structure-based routes to optimising and expanding thiamine co-factor containing artificial enzymes(2).
The project would suit a student with an interest in the chemistry and biology interface. Depending on the student’s background, training will be provided in molecular biology, structural biology and bioinorganic chemistry (understanding metal binding of the proteins using methods such as UV-vis, crystallography, NMR), and in the organic chemistry needed for catalytic testing (both synthesis and analysis i.e. HPLC, GC).
Websites:
https://biology.ed.ac.uk/julia-richardson-group
For more information on the project, eligibility and how to apply for the School's PhD programme, please click on the "Visit Institution Website" link.
Please download and complete the mandatory documents from the EastBio “how to apply” website, before proceeding with your application.
Applicants should apply to the PhD in Biological Sciences with Internship programme via the University of Edinburgh’s admissions portal (Euclid) with a start date of 01 October 2027.
Important: Before applying, please send your referees the EastBio reference form to ensure reference letters are submitted using the correct format.
When completing the Euclid application, applicants should include:
- the project title
- the proposed research supervisor(s)
- anticipated funding source (i.e. EastBio/ Edinburgh Doctoral College Award)
- the completed EastBio application form, uploaded to the Research Proposal Section
- referee details or completed reference letters using the template EastBio reference form. Please note: If you submit only the referee details, they will automatically receive a link to upload their reference letter. However, the submitted letter must be using the template form, so please share this with them in advance.
The closing date for applications to be submitted to Euclid is midday on Monday 16 November 2026.
Reference letters will be accepted up to 2 weeks after the closing date.
Submitted applications will remain under consideration during the shortlisting process until 22 February 2027, when successful candidates will be invited to interview. If any information is missing from your application, we will contact you through Euclid to request this. Please check your emails and the Euclid portal regularly.
Please be aware The University reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to amend or withdraw any of the advertised scholarships, without further notice.
Funding Notes
This 4 year PhD project is fully funded. Applicants will be considered for either an EastBio BBSRC Doctoral Landscape Award or the University of Edinburgh Doctoral College Award. Successful applicants will join the EastBio cohort as an EastBio-funded or associate-funded student. Those joining will undertake a mandatory training programme which includes a 3-month placement. This is open to students worldwide has financial support with a monthly stipend at the UKRI standard rate, funding towards project costs, and tuition fee cover. For further guidance; EastBio website; no separate application is required for consideration of the University of Edinburgh Doctoral College Award.
References
References:
- Using BpyAla to generate copper artificial metalloenzymes: a catalytic and structural study. https://doi.org/10.1039/d3cy01648j
- Installation of an organocatalyst into a protein scaffold creates an artificial Stetterase. https://doi.org/10.1039/d4cc05182c
- Artificial metalloenzymes as catalysts for oxidative lignin degradation. https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.8b03568
- A Dual‐Purpose Non‐Canonical Amino Acid for the Expanded Genetic Code: Combining Metal‐Binding and Click Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202413073