At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop small antibody fragments using machine learning to tackle cancer treatment challenges.
- Company: Join a leading research team at UEA focused on innovative cancer therapeutics.
- Benefits: Receive a competitive stipend, tuition coverage, and gain invaluable research experience.
- Other info: Full-time PhD position starting October 2027 with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in cancer therapy while mastering cutting-edge scientific techniques.
- Qualifications: A 2:1 degree in Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, or related fields is required.
The predicted salary is between 21805 - 21805 £ per year.
Primary Supervisor - Dr Amit Sachdeva
Monoclonal antibodies have transformed the treatment of cancer by selectively recognising tumour-associated receptors and triggering cellular responses that lead to cancer cell death. Despite their clinical success, conventional full-length antibodies often show limited effectiveness against solid tumours because their large molecular size restricts deep penetration into tumour tissue. Overcoming this challenge represents a major opportunity in the development of next generation cancer therapeutics.
This interdisciplinary PhD project aims to develop small, highly effective antibody fragments capable of penetrating solid tumours more efficiently than conventional antibodies. The student will employ state-of-the-art machine learning approaches to design novel antibody fragments. These computationally engineered molecules will then be expressed in Escherichia coli. The project will involve cloning, expression and purification of engineered antibody fragments, followed by detailed biochemical and biophysical characterisation. Their binding affinity to the target will be evaluated on cancer cell lines, using our previously developed methods.
Furthermore, the most promising candidates will be equipped with non-canonical amino acids through synthetic biology approaches, enabling the introduction of new chemical functionalities to improve targeting, and therapeutic performance. Working at the interface of chemistry, biology, and artificial intelligence, the successful candidate will gain extensive training in cutting-edge methodologies including machine learning-guided protein design, molecular cloning, recombinant protein expression, protein purification, cell-based assays, gel electrophoresis, Western blotting and chemical protein modification techniques.
The project offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of next-generation biologic medicines while acquiring a highly sought-after multidisciplinary skillset spanning chemical biology, synthetic biology, biotechnology, and cancer research. This PhD is ideally suited to a highly motivated student in biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology, or a related discipline who is excited by the prospect of applying computational and experimental approaches to address pressing challenges in cancer therapy.
Entry Requirements: The standard minimum entry requirement is 2:1 in Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Chemistry, and related fields.
Mode of Study: Full-time
Start Date: 1 October 2027
Additional Funding Information: This PhD project is in a competition for a Faculty of Science funded studentship. Funding is available to UK applicants and comprises ‘home’ tuition fees and an annual stipend for 3 years. The current UEA / institutional PhD stipend rate is £21,805 and will be subject to any agreed inflationary uplift for 2027/28.
PhD Studentship: Machine Learning-Guided Engineering of Next-Generation Cancer Therapeutics in Norwich employer: University of East Anglia
The University of East Anglia (UEA) is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. As a Commercialisation Administrator, you will benefit from a generous benefits package, including 34 days of annual leave, and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that impact society and the economy. UEA's commitment to gender equality, recognised by its Athena Swan Silver Institutional Award, further enhances its reputation as a progressive workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Studentship: Machine Learning-Guided Engineering of Next-Generation Cancer Therapeutics in Norwich
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like University of East Anglia. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like University of East Anglia!
We think you need these skills to ace PhD Studentship: Machine Learning-Guided Engineering of Next-Generation Cancer Therapeutics in Norwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show University of East Anglia that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at University of East Anglia.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that University of East Anglia does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of East Anglia
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at University of East Anglia. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into University of East Anglia's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at University of East Anglia. This shows your passion for the industry!
