(BBSRC NWD) Environmental C-F/C-Cl remediation by heme mono-oxygenases and peroxidases.

A PhD studentship is available for an outstanding and ambitious chemist to undertake research in the field of green chemistry, biotechnology, and metalloenzyme mechanism in a collaborative project between Drs Jack Rowbotham, Sam de Visser and Derren Heyes (Manchester Institute of Biotechnology) at the University of Manchester.

Fluorinated compounds have been extensively used in herbicides, pesticides as well as insulators and drug molecules. However, as the C-F bond is very strong, these compounds biodegrade poorly, with some being dubbed “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment, often leading to pollution and toxicity. Urgent environmentally benign catalysts are needed for the efficient biodegradation of fluorinated compounds. In recent years several iron enzymes have been identified that show some activity in the activation of halogenated aromatic compounds and even are able to react with C-F bonds. In particular, heme mono-oxygenases like the cytochromes P450 and heme dehaloperoxidases have been shown to be able to activate aromatic C-F bonds. However, little is known on their substrate scope and general reaction mechanism. To exploit this discovery further a detailed experimental and computational study into dehalogenation of halogenated aromatic compounds will be performed using state-of-the-art experimental and computational approaches at the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology. In particular, research will be focused on the heme dehaloperoxidases and cytochromes P450 using a unique multidisciplinary approach ranging from bioinformatics, structural characterization, spectroscopy, kinetics and electrochemistry to computational modelling. The work will give valuable insight into how these enzymes can be engineered to optimally catalyse an energetically challenging reaction at room temperature such as C-F activation. The work will open pathways for successful implementation in an Industrial setting. Bioengineering of dehaloperoxidases and cytochrome P450 isozymes may lead to the development of novel structures for the biodegradation of halogen containing aromatic molecules in an environmentally benign setting in an approach that links Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biochemistry.

This collaboration combines the joint expertise in biotransformations and metalloenzymes (Rowbotham), computational metalloenzyme chemistry (de Visser) and enzyme kinetics and spectroscopy (Heyes). It offers an opportunity for the candidate to gain experience in a wide range of skills and catalytic techniques of significant industrial value. The project will particularly suit candidates who wish to apply an interdisciplinary research outlook to improve the solve challenging problems in chemical sustainability.

http://www.manchester.ac.uk/research/sam.devisser/research

http://www.manchester.ac.uk/research/jack.rowbotham/research

https://www.research.manchester.ac.uk/portal/derren.heyes.html

Eligibility

Applicants must have obtained or be about to obtain a minimum Upper Second class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of science, engineering or technology. 

International applicants

We are only able to offer a limited number of full studentships to applicants outside the UK. Therefore, full studentships will only be awarded to exceptional quality international candidates due to the competitive nature of this scheme.

International applicants must ensure they meet the academic eligibility criteria (including English language) before applying. Visit our ‘Eligibility and entry requirements’ page to find out more about our English language requirements.

Before you Apply

Browse our BBSRC NWD in Bioscience projects and discover one you’re passionate about that matches your interests, ambitions and goals.

Applicants must make direct contact with preferred supervisors before applying. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to meet with potential supervisors, prior to submitting a formal online application.

How to Apply

All applications should be made via our specific BBSRC NWDP in Bioscience online application form. This is a separate application process specifically for all candidates for this scheme. Applications should not be made through either university’s usual online application system.

You must submit your application form along with the required supporting documents by the deadline date. You can select up to two projects on one single application, noting the title of each project from the advert and the supervisor name. This can include two projects from one institution or a project from each institution. 

Before you complete your application you should prepare the following supporting documents:

·            CV

·            Personal statement

·            Degree certificates and transcripts (if your qualification is still pending, please ensure this is clear on your application form and you can send this to us at a later date)

·            Two references

·            Evidence of English language qualifications (if completed)

Complete the application form: https://forms.office.com/e/HVXALrVa0P

Once you have completed your application, you’ll receive a confirmation email and             you should reply to this email with all of your supporting documentation as soon as possible to: nwd-bbsrc.applications@manchester.ac.uk

Deadline: Friday, 31 January 2025, 5pm

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

If you need help with this stage of the process, or have any queries regarding your eligibility (such as if you achieved unexpectedly low degree results due to extenuating circumstances), please contact the Doctoral Admissions team for advice at fbmh.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk. 

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Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full Equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on the website.