Marie Curie ON‑Tract PhD Position (Fixed Term)
Location: University of Cambridge – Biochemistry Department
Position Overview: 1‑year pilot project of a 3‑year fixed‑term PhD, funded by the Horizon Europe EU Marie Curie Network ON‑TRACT, focused on the protein engineering of enzymes for synthetic chemistry relevant to oligonucleotide constructs.
Responsibilities
* Design and carry out ultrahigh‑throughput directed evolution of enzymes (e.g., IREDs, ligases) using libraries generated by error‑prone PCR, site‑saturation mutagenesis and transposon‑based insertion–deletion mutagenesis.
* Perform in‑vitro selections and subsequent long‑read nanopore sequencing for deep mutational scanning of the output.
* Analyze sequence–function datasets with regression and tree‑based machine learning algorithms to identify improved mutants and develop mechanistic hypotheses.
* Collaborate with ON‑TRACT partners across Europe and UK for training in organic synthesis, cell‑biological and medical techniques.
* Publish findings and contribute to the broader project deliverables.
Qualifications
* First (or upper second) class degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or a closely related subject.
* Experience or familiarity with molecular and chemical biology techniques, assay development, enzyme kinetics, DNA library generation, structural biology, high‑throughput screening, mechanistic enzymology, bioinformatics, and microfluidic engineering.
* Strong analytical and computational skills, particularly in handling large sequence–function datasets.
* Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Application Process
Applications must include a cover letter describing research interests, a detailed CV (including exam marks and relevant practical experience), a list of publications, and the names and email addresses of at least two referees familiar with your research work. Please quote reference PH48293 on all correspondence.
Fixed‑term funding is available from 1 February 2026 until 31 January 2029 (initially). Applications should be submitted via the university recruitment portal.
Contact
Professor Florian Hollfelder – fh111@cam.ac.uk
Biochemistry HR Team – personnel@bioc.cam.ac.uk
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. All employees must be eligible to live and work in the UK.
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