Electrochemical Control of Enzyme Cascades in the e-Leaf for Sensing in Enzyme engineering/evolution and Bio-electrosynthesis

About the Project

This fully funded PhD project will develop bio-electrochemical systems in which enzyme cascades, containing natural and engineered enzymes, will be electrochemically driven to catalyse the synthesis and deracemisation of industrially relevant molecules. To achieve this, we will exploit the ability to electrify and directionally control cascade catalysis in an emergent bio-electrochemical platform, the Electrochemical Leaf (e-Leaf) – a powerful interactive enzyme operating platform exploited in diverse configurations. (1, 2) Of note, a five-enzyme cascade driven reversibly which incorporated CO2 into a C4 molecule, (3) confocal recycling of NAD(P)(H) and ATP in synthesis, (4) and the real-time measurement of drug binding kinetics. (5)

Inherent in the project will be transformation of the e-Leaf into:

(i) A high-throughput multi-array platform for sensing in directed enzyme evolution in the context of a cascade – the multiplexed e-Leaf will be disruptive in this space, directly reporting on cascade activity as electrical current

(ii) A high-current electrolyser for synthesis under flow making the platform industrially relevant whilst maintaining its unique advantages and capabilities.

This project will contribute to clean growth and Net Zero technologies by unlocking sustainable biosynthetic routes and replacing toxic redox reagents with electrons derived from potentially renewable electricity.

The project offers comprehensive training in electrochemistry, biocatalysis, and enzyme engineering within a vibrant, multidisciplinary research environment in the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology. Collaborators on the project will include Dr Bhavin Siritanaratkul (University of Liverpool) for electrode redesign and fabrication, and Dr Richard Obexer (University of Manchester) for directed enzyme evolution. In-kind support will be provided by Vertex Pharmaceuticals with potential for a placement during the PhD.

Eligibility

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

Funding

This 3.5-year PhD project is fully funded and UK students are eligible to apply. The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£21,805 for 2026/27) and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year. The start date is October 2026.

We recommend that you apply early as the advert may be removed before the deadline.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor (clare.megarity@manchester.ac.uk) for this project before you apply. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.

How to apply

Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and 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.

After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:

• Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
• Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
• CV
• Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it).
• Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
• English Language certificate (if applicable)

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.