PhD Studentship: Matchmaker: Prioritising the Best Cell Line for Expressing Target Proteins using CRISPR and Machine Learning

University of Cambridge - Department of Biochemistry, Central Cambridge

Qualification Type: PhD

Location: Cambridge

Funding for: UK Students

Funding amount: This four-year studentship covers University composite fees (at home fees rate), a stipend (£21,500/year) and dedicated consumables and travel budgets.

Hours: Full Time

Placed On: 17th September 2025

Closes: 31st October 2025

Reference: PH47279

Applications are invited for a fully funded 4-year PhD studentship based in the Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, and the new AstraZeneca Discovery Centre in Cambridge. The project will be jointly supervised by Dr Susanne Bornelöv (Biochemistry; https://www.sblab.uk) and Dr Lukas Westlake (AstraZeneca), and the successful applicant will have the opportunity to work across both sites.

The project sits at the interface of cell line engineering, protein science and machine learning and you will receive advanced training in these areas while developing methods to accelerate protein expression for biomedical applications.

Project details: Protein expression and purification remain fundamental bottlenecks in biomedical research and drug discovery. Current approaches are time-consuming and often fail to express target proteins at sufficient levels. In this project, you will investigate whether mammalian cell lines can be genetically altered to enhance expression of challenging proteins. Moreover, you will determine whether the success of such alternations depends on protein family and on mRNA characteristics such as codon optimality.

You will construct a panel of engineered cell lines and collect high-throughout measurements of corresponding mRNA and protein levels for several protein targets. Ultimately, you will use these data to develop Matchmaker, a machine learning framework for matching novel protein targets with their optimal expression conditions. Altogether, this project will provide new insights into the mechanisms limiting expression of challenging proteins and how to overcome these barriers.

Candidate & eligibility: We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual able to think critically and to work both independently and as part of a team. You should have or expect to obtain a first or upper second-class degree in a relevant subject from a UK university, or equivalent standard abroad. Prior research experience, for instance in molecular biology, eukaryotic cell culturing and protein science would be a plus, but is not essential. Most important is that you are excited to learn new skills and grow as an independent researcher.

This position is open to UK citizens or overseas students who meet the UK residency requirements (home fees), or are able to augment the funds to cover the extra costs associated with international student fees through scholarships or funding schemes. Students will not be allowed to supplement fees via self-funding.

Application process: Please click on the 'Apply' button above to apply for a PhD in Biochemistry via the University's Applicant Portal. Quote the project title and supervisor (Dr Susanne Bornelöv) and select October 2026. Your application should include academic transcripts, CV (max two pages), statement of interest, and two academic references (submitted by the deadline). The application portal will also ask for a research proposal, however, since the project is already defined, you may copy the project details from this advert. Please explain why you wish to pursue a PhD in this area, outline your research interests and background, and describe the skills and research experiences you will bring to the role within your statement of interest.

Deadline: The closing date is 31st October 2025 with interviews held in November.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

For informal enquiries, contact Dr Susanne Bornelöv (smb208@cam.ac.uk) or pg-entry@bioc.cam.ac.uk for questions about the application process.