Chem/Bioinformatic Modelling of Peptide Solubility in Water and Organic Solvents to Enable Greener Peptide Production

New modalities in medicine present unique challenges for sustainable manufacturing. In particular, current peptide purification relies on expensive, low throughput methods developed for discovery rather than production, and closing this technological gap is one of the major challenges in both healthcare and green chemistry. A growing consensus in peptide manufacturing is that synthesis of short peptides, either in solid phase or solution phase, followed by their ligation will be the most effective strategy, but this approach depends on reliable prediction of the solubility of short peptides in water and organic solvents, including those containing non natural amino acids.<br /> <br /> This project will address this critical need by integrating bioinformatics with the Nguyen group’s existing solubility prediction models for small molecules to develop a systematic model for the prediction of small peptide solubility. The student will synthesise, measure solubility, and curate the first comprehensive database for solubility of short peptides, guided by an active learning AI algorithm to maximise the learning rate and minimise the number of peptides you will need to synthesise using automated microwave synthesis. The predictive models will be developed for natural peptides, before expansion to longer peptides including non-natural amino acids using literature data<br /> The students will benefit from expertise in Nguyen group in catalysis, high-throughput computational chemistry and AI/Machine Learning in chemistry. In addition, the student will benefit from working in the highly interdisciplinary research environment in the iPRD (iprd.leeds.ac.uk). A seminar programme, where aspects of green chemistry, AI and process engineering are discussed on a monthly basis, will be provided. Opportunities to present work and to network will be provided through the iPRD industrial club meetings, CheM62 meetings and RSC events in addition to inter/national green chemistry and AI conferences.

<p>Please visit the <a href="https://www.iprd.leeds.ac.uk/">Institute of Process Research and Development</a> website to find out more about our current Research activities.</p>

<p>To apply for this project you will need to make a formal application for research degree study through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University website</a>. You will need to create a login ID with a username and PIN. </p> <p>•    For <strong>Application type</strong> please select <strong>Research Degrees – Research Postgraduate</strong>. <br /> •    The admission year for this project is <strong>2026/27</strong> Academic Year. <br /> •    You will need to select your <strong>Planned Course of Study</strong> from a drop-down menu. For this project, scroll down and select <strong>EPSRC Engineering and Physical Sciences DTP.</strong> <br /> •    The project start date for this project is <strong>1 October 2026</strong>, please use this as your <strong>Proposed Start Date of Research</strong>. <br /> •    Please state clearly in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <strong>Chem/Bioinformatic Modelling of Peptide Solubility in Water and Organic Solvents to Enable Greener Peptide Production</strong> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/chemistry/staff/4205/prof-bao-nguyen">Professor Bao Nguyen</a> as your proposed supervisor.</p> <p><strong>Please state in the Finance section that the funding source you are applying for is EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award 2026/27: Chemistry.</strong></p> <p>More information on how to apply is available on our website <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">here</a>. You will be required to provide a personal statement which outlines your interest in the project you are applying for, why you have chosen it and how your skills map onto the requirements of the project.</p> <p>Applications will be reviewed and assessed after the closing date of Friday 15 May 2026. We welcome and strongly encourage any potential applicants to contact the supervisor(s) for an informal discussion, prior to applying, and recommend submitting your application early.</p> <p><strong>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Friday 15 May 2026:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date including grading scheme</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements below.</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p style="text-align:start; margin-bottom:24px">A highly competitive EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award Studentship, based in the School of Chemistry, providing the award of full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant of £21,805 per year for 3.5 years. Training and support will also be provided.<br /> <br /> This opportunity is open to UK applicants only. All candidates will be placed into the EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award Studentship Competition and selection is based on academic merit.<br /> <br /> Please note that there is only 1 funded place available to UK applicants only and this project is in competition with 2 other projects to secure this funding. Please note that whilst you may be successful in securing an academic offer for any project linked to this funding opportunity, this does not mean that you have been successful in securing an offer of funding. Funding is awarded on a competitive basis.</p> <p><strong>Important:</strong> Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website or our <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/undergraduate-fees/doc/fee-assessment">fee assessment page</a> for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p> <p><strong>Eligibility Criteria</strong></p> <ul> <li>Applicants must be eligible to pay fees at the Home (UK) rate.</li> </ul> <p>If you are unsure whether you are eligible for UK fees/funding, please see our <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/undergraduate-fees/doc/fee-assessment">fee assessment page</a>.</p> <p><strong>Other Conditions</strong></p> <ul> <li>Candidates who have previously been awarded a PhD or are currently registered on a PhD are excluded from applying. Those who were previously studying for a PhD but did not complete may be considered. </li> <li>Awards must be taken up by 1st October 2026.</li> <li>Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this scholarship.</li> </ul>

<p>For further information about this project, please contact Professor Bao Nguyen by emailing <a href="mailto:EMAIL@leeds.ac.uk">b.nguyen@leeds.ac.uk</a> or by calling +44 (0)113 343 0109.</p> <p>For further information about your application, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a>.</p>