PhD Studentship: Chemical Biology to target bacteria: Inhibiting bacterial growth by controlling cell division protein interactions

Primary Supervisor - Dr Andrew Beekman

Antibiotic-resistant pathogens are a huge threat in healthcare and farming. The last resorts of conventional antibiotic drugs are unable to treat multi-resistant strains in patients. New approaches towards antibiotics are desperately needed. To spread and survive, bacteria need to divide. Thus, bacterial cell division has emerged as a promising antibiotic target pathway to combat multi-resistant pathogens.

This project aims to target protein interactions that pathogenic bacteria, like the causative agent of TB, Mycobacterium tuberculosis require to spread. Using Mycobacteria smegmatis as a harmless model organisms for M. tuberculosis, the project will design, synthesise and test compounds which specifically prevent the formation of essential protein interaction for cell division.

The appointed student will design, synthesise, and test compounds which specifically prevent essential protein-protein interactions used by pathogens to spread. An innovative platform, developed in the supervisor’s lab, will be used to design peptides that can disrupt the formation of protein complexes that facilitate disease. This interdisciplinary chemical biology and microbiology project will involve training in cutting-edge science including computational design and peptide synthesis, as well as evaluation of the compounds for binding to proteins and their inhibitory activity in bacteria.

Led by Dr Andrew Beekman and Dr Susan Schlimpert, there is an opportunity to learn medicinal chemistry/chemical biology, protein biochemistry, and microbiology, using facilities across the School of Chemistry, Pharmacy and Pharmacology and The John Innes Centre. The student will be based in a highly collaborative research environment with a strong commitment to excellence in science and professional development.

This project will develop a multidisciplinary scientist with expertise from chemical to cell biology. You will have, or expect to obtain a first class, 2(i) or equivalent Honours degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, or a related area. English Language requirement (Faculty of Science equivalent: IELTS 6.5 overall, 6 in each category).

Informal enquiries are welcomed: Dr Andrew Beekman (a.beekman@uea.ac.uk) or Dr Susan Schlimpert (susan.schlimpert@jic.ac.uk).

The Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Programme (NRPDTP) is offering fully funded studentships for October 2027 entry. The programme offers postgraduates the opportunity to undertake a 4-year PhD research project whilst enhancing professional development and research skills through a comprehensive training programme. All NRPDTP students undertake a three-month professional internship placement (PIPS) during their study. Full support and advice will be provided by our Professional Internship team.

Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th February 2027.

Students are selected for admission without regard to gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age or social background.

To maximise accessibility and attract students from underrepresented groups to our programme we have introduced bespoke templates for applicant Personal and Research statements which will enable every applicant to fully represent themselves through providing suitable examples and evidence. These forms are on the NRPDTP website and must be used for these sections of the application form.

Additional Funding Information

This project is awarded with a 4-year Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership PhD DTP studentship. The studentship includes payment of tuition fees (directly to the University), a stipend to cover living expenses (2026/27 stipend rate: £21,805, and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000 pa for each year of the studentship.