From nature to industry: applying H2-metabolising enzymes to sustainable biocatalysis

Lead Supervisor: Simone Morra

Applications are invited for a fully funded PhD Studentship at the University of Nottingham in collaboration with HydRegen Ltd

The project aims at bringing novel robust metalloenzymes into industrial applications that will improve the sustainability of chemical manufacturing.  The main objectives of this PhD project are:

  1. to optimise the overproduction of a novel [FeFe]-hydrogenase at high yield and large scale;
  2. to apply the enzyme to biocatalytic hydrogenations for the production of high value products. 

The student will work in state-of-the-art facilities at the interface between academia and industry and will be trained in fermentation (up 100 L scale), protein overexpression and purification, enzyme immobilisation, and biocatalysis. 

Entry requirements: Applicants must have, or should expect to obtain, a 1st class or 2:1 honours degree or a distinction or high merit at MSc level (or international equivalents) in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Chemistry or related disciplines. Experience in protein expression and purification or biocatalysis (e.g. a placement or a Masters-level research project) will be beneficial. 

 To make an informal enquiry prior to application, please contact Dr Simone Morra directly with a cover letter and a CV. 

This project is no longer open for recruitment.

Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Doctoral Training Programme

The University of Nottingham
University Park
Nottingham, NG7 2RD

Tel: +44 (0) 115 8466946
Email: bbdtp@nottingham.ac.uk