Identification, characterisation and novel expression of plastic-degrading enzymes in bacterial spores

Fixed term contract for 3 years, commencing September 2024.

Bursary of £19,237 per annum and a full fee-waiver for UK tuition fees.

Closing date: 31 May 2024

Interview date: TBC June 2024

About Anglia Ruskin University:

Anglia Ruskin is a vibrant workplace and our university is recognised both nationally and internationally. We have ambitious plans for the future, and we are determined that our students and staff will realise their full potential. Our main campuses in the cities of Cambridge, Chelmsford, London and Peterborough have been transformed with major capital investment. With an annual turnover of over £200m, we are a major force for higher education and one of the largest universities in the East of England.

About the position:

This project is an exciting opportunity for a PhD student to work in the cutting-edge research area of enzymatic plastic degradation in labs at both ARU and the Christie lab at the University of Cambridge’s Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology.

Plastic pollution is threatening ecosystems, human health, and the economy. Despite existing mechanical and chemical plastic recycling pathways, most plastic waste enters landfill or is incinerated, contributing to the generation of micro- and nanoplastics. The identification of enzymes that break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) (PETases) has the potential to design environmentally friendly and economical recycling strategies, by making recycled PET from its monomers without loss of quality. It is likely the PETases identified so far account for a small proportion of those found in nature, particularly in the “plastisphere”, partly as not all microbes are culturable. This project aims to address this knowledge gap by screening environmental isolates and eDNA for novel PETases and other plastic degrading enzymes. Synthetic biology approaches will then be adopted to incorporate PETases into bacterial spores. This bioengineering approach will provide a platform for PETase expression and display with tolerance to environmental factors that would otherwise denature non-immobilised proteins.

This project has 4 key tasks:

1. Identification of novel PETases. The student will screen isolates and environmental samples from the ARU repository for PETase activity using an agar-clearing assay.
2. Recombinant expression of known and novel PETases displayed on bacterial spores. The student will build on recent progress on bacterial spore display by developing a spore-based cellular factory for PET degradation in Bacillus subtilis.
3. Recombinant expression of known and novel PETases as fusions with Cry proteins in bacterial spores. Here the student will use synthetic biology approaches to construct a series of strains designed to express Cry protein fusions with a range of PETase enzymes of interest.
4. Assessment of enzymatic activity and robustness of spore-associated PETases. Finally all PETases will be assessed for enzymatic activity using HPLC.

About the Studentship:

A 3-year studentship is offered, intended to start in September 2024, providing a tax-free stipend of £19,237 per annum plus tuition fees at the UK rate. Due to funding restrictions, this studentship is only available as a full-time position and to UK candidates.

Project location: Cambridge campus. Prospective candidates who would not be Cambridge-based are encouraged to contact the principal supervisor prior to application (contact details below).

Candidates for this PhD Studentship must demonstrate outstanding qualities and be motivated to complete a PhD within 3 years.

Qualifications:

Applicants should have a minimum of a 2.1 Honours degree in a relevant discipline and a relevant level 7 (or equivalent) qualification (e.g., Masters degree). An IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 minimum (or equivalent) is essential for candidates for whom English is not their first language.

In addition to satisfying basic entry criteria, the University will look closely at the qualities, skills, and background of each candidate and what they can bring to their chosen research project in order to ensure successful and timely completion.

How to apply:

To apply, please visit Biomedical Science PhD, click ‘Apply online’ and complete the application form for full-time study with a start date of January 2024. Please ensure the reference ‘PhD Studentship: Identification, characterisation and novel expression of plastic-degrading enzymes in bacterial spores’ is clearly stated on the application form, under the title ‘Outline of your proposed research’.

Within this section of the application form, applicants should include a 500-word outline of the skills that they would bring to this research project and detail any previous relevant experience.

Interested applicants should direct initial queries about the project to Dr Helen McRobie via email: helen.mcrobie@aru.ac.uk. For enquiries regarding the process and eligibility please contact SE-Research@aru.ac.uk.

Interviews are scheduled to take place in June 2024.

We value diversity at Anglia Ruskin University and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Closing Date 31 May 2024.