BBSRC Yorkshire DTP PhD Studentships
PhD Projects
Project 1
Rewiring photosynthesis to improve CO2 fixation using synthetic biology
Supervisory team:
Professor Matt Johnson (MJ), Dr Andrew Hitchcock (AH), Prof Luke Mackinder (LM).
Join a groundbreaking project that could revolutionise our understanding of photosynthesis and help address climate change challenges. This cutting-edge research builds on recent breakthrough findings published in Plant Cell (2025), where CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing successfully created artificial protein supercomplexes that enhanced photosynthetic performance in algae.
The Challenge :
Photosynthesis underpins all life on Earth, yet fundamental questions remain about how protein complexes are organised within chloroplast membranes to optimise energy conversion and CO2 fixation. This project will engineer novel "supercomplex" arrangements between key photosynthetic proteins to unlock new efficiencies in this vital biological process.
What You'll Do :
Using the model alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, you'll employ CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to create bespoke protein assemblies, then characterise their function using advanced techniques including fluorescence spectroscopy, cryo-electron microscopy, and biochemical analysis. You'll investigate how these engineered supercomplexes improve electron transfer efficiency and photosynthetic performance under stress conditions.
Training & Environment :
This highly interdisciplinary project spans molecular genetics, biochemistry, biophysics, and structural biology, providing exceptional breadth of training. You'll work within the dynamic Photosynthesis Research Group at Sheffield (19 members from diverse backgrounds) and collaborate with the Mackinder Lab at York (11 members), benefiting from world-class facilities and mentorship.
Impact :
Your research could unlock new strategies for improving crop resilience to climate change, enhancing food security, and developing algae-based biofuels and biotechnology platforms for sustainable medicine production. Perfect for students passionate about using synthetic biology to solve global challenges.
Project 2
The role of singlet exciton fission in photosynthesis
Supervisory team:
Prof Jenny Clark (JC), Professor Matt Johnson (MJ), Dr Andrew Hitchcock (AH),
Project Description:
In general, photoexcitation of molecules when they absorb solar energy leads to a singlet excited state (exciton). In photosynthesis, this energy is transferred between networks of pigments in light-harvesting complexes (LHCs) until it reaches a reaction centre (RC), where the energy is trapped. An alternative fate of a singlet exciton is that it can convert to a triplet excited state; in photosynthesis, LHCs and RCs have evolved strategies to avoid this occurring as triplets can be highly damaging. However, in some materials, a singlet exciton can split into two triplets in a process known as singlet fission. The ability to generate two excited states from one photon could be used in solar cells to dramatically improve their efficiency, but SF is not yet understood enough to be precisely controlled.
In a recent collaborative study led by Professor Clark in the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, we have shown that RC-LH complexes from purple phototrophic bacteria can transfer energy between pigments via singlet fission. This singlet fission-mediated pathway appears to augment solar energy capture and may have broader implications for photosynthesis and singlet fission-based technologies. This PhD project is at the interface of biophysics and biochemistry; the student will use a combination of microbiology, molecular biology and biochemistry to isolate RC-LH complexes from a range of photosynthetic organisms (bacteria to plants), and cutting-edge ultrafast spectroscopy to measure their excited state dynamics to better understand singlet fission-energy transfer and determine how widespread it is.
The student will be a member of two dynamic and interdisciplinary research groups: the Lord Porter Ultrafast Laser Spectroscopy Laboratory () and the Photosynthesis Research Group ().
We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with a strong background in Physics, Physical Chemistry or Biological Physics
For informal enquiries about the project, please contact Prof Jenny Clark
Link to website:
Eligibility for both projects:
Open to International (including EU) and UK (home) students.
You can apply if you have, or are expecting to gain, at least an upper second-class honours degree or equivalent. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of this programme, we welcome applications if your background is in any biological, chemical or physical science or mathematics and are interested in using your skills in addressing biological questions. International students should check if they meet the entry requirements for the host university.
We aim to support the most outstanding applicants from outside the UK and are able to offer a very limited number of bursaries that will enable full studentships to be awarded to international (EU and non-EU) applicants. These full studentships will only be awarded to exceptional quality candidates, due to the highly competitive nature of this scheme.
The YBDTP is committed to recruiting extraordinary future scientists regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or career pathway to date. We understand that commitment and excellence can be shown in many ways and have built our recruitment process to reflect this. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in science, who have curiosity, creativity and a drive to learn new skills.
Not all projects will be funded; a limited number of candidates will be appointed via a competitive process.
English language: If English isn't your first language, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. Please see the for the host university.
How to apply:
Application deadline: 5pm (UK time), Wednesday 7th January 2026
To submit your application, click on the (also found in the Funding Notes section) of any of your chosen projects. You can apply for up to two YBDTP projects (which can be at different universities).
If you have any questions about the application process, please email YBDTP@leeds.ac.uk
If you have any questions about the project you are interested in, please email the project supervisor.
How we allocate:
Shortlisting will take place as soon as possible after the closing date and successful applicants will be notified promptly. If you're shortlisted, you'll be invited for an interview on a date to be confirmed in February 2025. You'll be notified as soon as possible after the interview dates whether your application has been successful, placed on a reserve list or unsuccessful. If you are successful, you'll be required to confirm your intention to accept the studentship within 10 days.
Terms and conditions:
The studentships are fully funded for four years, and you must complete your PhD in four years.
You'll receive the UKRI minimum doctoral stipend per year for your living costs, which is paid to you in regular installments. The stipend is tax free and does not need to be paid back.
International students will need to have sufficient funds to cover the costs of their , , travel insurance and travel to the UK as these are excluded from UKRI funding.