Marie Curie ON-Tract PhD position (Fixed Term)

Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in the UK is offering a PhD position focused on the protein engineering of enzymes through in vitro evolution and machine learning. This exciting role involves cutting-edge research and collaboration in bioinformatics and biochemistry. Ideal candidates will hold a degree in a relevant field and possess skills in various molecular biology techniques. Interested applicants should submit their CV and research interests by the closing date.

Qualifications

• Applicants should hold a degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related subject.
• Familiarity with molecular and chemical biology techniques is essential.
• Experience in assay development, enzyme kinetics, and structural biology is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in vitro directed evolution of enzymes for synthetic chemistry.
• Develop ultrahigh throughput processes for oligonucleotide constructs.
• Collaborate with network partners across Europe for skills training.

Skills

Molecular and chemical biology techniques

Assay development

Enzyme kinetics

DNA library generation

Structural biology

Organic synthesis

High-throughput screening

Mechanistic enzymology

Bioinformatics

Microfluidic engineering

Education

First or upper second class degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related subject

Job description

# Marie Curie ON-Tract PhD position (Fixed Term)PhD Position - Marie Curie network ON-Tract: Protein engineering of enzymes: in vitro directed evolution and machine learning-based elaboration of biocatalysis for synthesis.A doctoral position is available for 3-years to work with Professor Florian Hollfelder at the Biochemistry Department of Cambridge University (). The project is part of the Horizon Europe Eu Marie Curie Network ON-TRACT () and involves collaborations with various EU and UK groups engaged in using oligonucleotides for therapeutic purposes, including anti-cancer therapy.This project will develop ultrahigh throughput for in vitro evolution of enzymes used in synthetic chemistry relevant for oligonucleotide constructs (chiral synthesis: IREDs, ligases). Starting from diverse libraries made by error-prone PCR, site-saturation mutagenesis and transposon-based InDel mutagenesis in vitro selections will be carried out, followed by long-read nanopore sequencing and deep mutational scanning of the screening output. This approach selects new, efficient enzymes, but also generates unique sequencefunction datasets that will be interpreted by regression and tree-based machine learning algorithms to obtain even better mutants and develop mechanistic hypotheses.Various collaborations with ON-TRACT network partners across Europe allow a particularly wide skills training, including organic synthesis, cell biological and medical work.Applicants should thus have a first (or upper second) class degree in chemistry, biochemistry or a related, relevant subject. Familiarity with molecular and chemical biology techniques and specific skills in assay development, enzyme kinetics, DNA library generation, structural biology, organic synthesis, high-throughput screening, mechanistic enzymology, bioinformatics and microfluidic engineering are advantages.Applications should contain a description of research interests (e.g. as part of the cover letter), a detailed CV (with exam marks and all relevant practical experience) and a list of publications. Please also include the names and email addresses of at least two referees, who are familiar with your research work.Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available from 1st February 2026 until 31st January 2029, in the first instance.Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Florian Hollfelder via [e-mail] queries regarding the application process, please contact the Biochemistry HR Team via: [e-mail] quote reference PH48293 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.### Department/location### Salary### ReferencePH48293### Category### Date published15 December 2025### Closing date12 January 2026