PhD Studentship: Enzymatic recycling of polyester plastics from design to real-world application

A fully-funded opportunity is available to join Prof. John McGeehan’s new Engineering Biology Research Group in the School of Biosciences at the University of Birmingham focussed on the design and engineering of enzymes for plastic recycling. This laboratory-based research project follows on from previous work in collaboration with the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) on the characterisation and engineering of enzymes that can break down some of our most ubiquitous and polluting plastics including poly(ethylene) terephthalate (PET). This polyester, used extensively in single-use packaging and textiles, is often poorly managed at its end of life. While multiple groups worldwide have developed improved enzymes for the deconstruction of PET to its monomer building blocks, several challenges remain to move this technology from the laboratory bench to a viable recycling process at scale.

To address this challenge, this project will link with an industrial partner from the beginning to develop enzymes that are specifically targeted at real-world waste feedstocks and commercial scale-up. We are fortunate to have a long-term relationship with Rhea’s Factory on the West Coast of the USA who are currently engaged in a pilot enzymatic recycling facility. The founders combine extensive experience in molecular biology with a proprietary advanced artificial intelligence platform for enzyme design. Dr. Arzu Sandikci will co-supervise from an industrial perspective and we will target enzyme properties including solvent and pH tolerance, stability and longevity, and the ability to tackle crystalline and heterogenous waste feedstocks.

This project will also be co-supervised by Prof. James McDonald who is currently running a parallel project on the screening of natural enzymes for the breakdown of plastics using a high-throughput nanodroplet approach. Profs. McDonald and McGeehan will co-occupy a newly refurbished facility with the School of Biosciences that is currently being equipped with bespoke robotic screening, protein purification, product analysis, and bioreactor systems. This studentship will benefit from hands-on training in protein expression and characterisation using commercially relevant enzyme designs and the opportunity to deploy them, operating in a real-world industrial setting at the new California pilot facility.

We are looking for an enthusiastic researcher with a strong background in protein biochemistry and a passion to translate fundamental science to technologies that can help progress plastics biorecycling. Previous research experience in protein biochemistry will be highly advantageous and an MPhil, MSc, or equivalent research experience in a relevant field is strongly recommended. Techniques will include enzyme design and robotic assay development, biochemical and biophysical characterisation including X-ray crystallography at the Diamond Light Source, and bioreactor experiments to test enzymes on waste plastic feedstocks.

The successful candidate will be trained in a wide range of research skills and expected to contribute creatively to the development of the project and to the broader research activities within the team. We value excellent communication skills as the candidate will be expected to present their findings in local in-person group meetings, monthly online updates with our US industry partners at Rhea’s Factory, and join the growing international network of researchers in this area. Funding is available for immediate start.
More information about our research can be found at the following websites:

https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/staff/profiles/biosciences/mcgeehan-john
https://rheasfactory.com

Please submit a full curriculum vitae (CV), including your academic transcripts, a cover letter highlighting your research background, and two academic references.

Funding notes:
Fully-funded, 3.5 years, UK home students.