PhD Studentship: Electrochemical Control of Enzyme Cascades in the e-Leaf for Sensing in Enzyme

The University of Manchester - Department of Chemistry

Application deadline: 08/05/2026
Research theme: "Bio-electrochemistry"; "Enzyme Cascade Evolution"; "Biosynthesis"

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.

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)

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

1. 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
2. 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.

References

1. F. A. Armstrong^*, B. Cheng, R. A. Herold, C. F. Megarity^* and B. Siritanaratkul, Chemical Reviews, 2023, 123, 5421-5458.
2. B. Siritanaratkul, C. F. Megarity, R. A. Herold and F. A. Armstrong^*, Communications Chemistry, 2024, 7, 132.

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.

To apply, please contact the main supervisor, Dr Clare Megarity - clare.megarity@manchester.ac.uk. 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