University of Manchester: PhD Studentship in Design, Synthesis and In Vitro Translation of Non-Canonical Amino Acids

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The University of Manchester, United Kingdom, is inviting applications for a fully funded 3.5-year PhD studentship in Chemistry, focusing on the design, chemical synthesis, and in vitro translation of non-canonical amino acids (ncAAs). The project combines organic synthesis, chemical biology, and molecular biology to expand the chemical functionality of proteins. Applicants eligible for UK Home tuition fee status can apply, with funding covering tuition fees and an annual tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate.

Important Dates / Deadline

  • Application Deadline: November 27, 2026
  • Program Start: October 2027
  • Funding Duration: 3.5 years

Applicants are encouraged to apply early because the advertisement may be removed before the stated deadline.

Organization

  • University: The University of Manchester
  • Department: Chemistry
  • Program: PhD Studentship in Design, Synthesis and In Vitro Translation of Non-Canonical Amino Acids
  • Supervisors:
    • Professor Gavin J. Miller
    • Dr. Richard Obexer

Location / Study Destination

Manchester, United Kingdom. The studentship is a full-time PhD research opportunity at the University of Manchester.

Who Can Apply

  • Applicants eligible to pay tuition fees at the UK Home rate.
  • Candidates who hold or expect to obtain at least a UK 2:1 honors degree or a master’s degree, or an international equivalent.
  • Graduates from relevant science or engineering disciplines.
  • Highly motivated applicants interested in multidisciplinary research involving organic chemistry, chemical biology, protein synthesis, and molecular biology.

Eligibility for funding is determined by Home tuition fee status rather than nationality alone.

Key Benefits / Funding

The studentship provides full funding for 3.5 years, including:

  1. Annual Stipend: £21,805 for the 2026/27 academic year, paid tax-free at the UKRI rate.
  2. Tuition Fees: Full tuition fee coverage for eligible Home-rate students.
  3. Annual Stipend Adjustments: The stipend is expected to increase each year.
  4. Research Training: Training in organic synthesis, chemoenzymatic synthesis, molecular biology, and in vitro protein translation.
  5. Professional Development: Opportunities to develop scientific communication, presentation, time management, and project planning skills.

Main Requirements

Applicants should possess or expect to achieve at least a 2:1 honors degree or master’s qualification, or an international equivalent, in a relevant science or engineering discipline.

The successful candidate will undertake research involving:

  1. Non-Canonical Amino Acid Design: Design and chemically synthesize novel ncAAs to expand the functional diversity of proteins.
  2. In Vitro Protein Translation: Incorporate ncAAs site-specifically into peptides and proteins using cell-free protein synthesis platforms.
  3. Protein Characterization: Investigate the biophysical properties, chemical reactivity, and potential applications of modified proteins.
  4. Glycosylated Amino Acid Research: Develop approaches for incorporating glycosylated amino acids into proteins with defined modification patterns.
  5. Collagen Glycosylation: Produce homogeneous peptides to investigate how glycosylation influences protein structure, biological activity, and cellular recognition.
  6. Application Development: Explore potential uses of modified proteins in chemical biology, therapeutic development, biomaterials, extracellular matrix biology, and regenerative medicine.

The project integrates experimental organic chemistry, chemoenzymatic methods, and molecular biology to advance site-specific protein modification.

How to Apply

  1. Review the University of Manchester’s postgraduate research application information at uom.link/pgr-apply-2425.
  2. Confirm that you meet the academic requirements and are eligible for Home tuition fee status.
  3. Contact the main supervisor, Professor Gavin J. Miller, to apply and discuss the PhD opportunity.
  4. Submit your application before November 27, 2026, preferably earlier because the advertisement may close before the deadline.

Main Supervisor Contact:

Professor Gavin J. Miller Email: gavin.miller@manchester.ac.uk

Important Notes

  • The studentship is restricted to applicants eligible for UK Home tuition fees.
  • Funding covers the full 3.5-year PhD period.
  • The annual stipend of £21,805 corresponds to the 2026/27 UKRI rate and is expected to increase annually.
  • The project will be co-supervised by Professor Gavin J. Miller and Dr. Richard Obexer.
  • Applicants are encouraged to contact the main supervisor and apply early.

Further information about the supervisory team:

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