Beyond Normal - Proteins in Alien Environments

What would happen if the liquid enabling life were not water, but a class of molecules with a similar melting range known as 'ionic liquids'? Ionic liquids are, simply, liquids made of ions usually defined as having melting temperatures below 100C, for which there are millions of possible options. But the charges of these ions deliver quite different physicochemical properties, and are able to modify the 3D-structure of proteins. We seek a keen researcher willing to use a mixture of experimental and computational techniques to unravel the underlying principles behind protein structure in different ionic liquids, so that we can predictively redesign both the protein landscape and target new and renewably sourced ionic liquids for applications ranging from biosensors and 3D-printed materials to healthcare. And maybe just answer the question of what life might be like if it developed in these highly-charged environments... As part of our team, you will develop new experimental high-throughput screening approaches, explore protein structure using computational methods including molecular dynamics, and apply machine-learning principles to solve this multi-variate puzzle. You will also have a range of opportunities to gain valuable transferrable skills (including through our doctoral college), network with international partners, and be well-set up for a role in either industry, data science or academia at the end of the programme. 94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021

The standard University IELTS English language requirement is 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each individual element (reading, writing, listening and speaking).

International students: £29,500

UK students: £5,238

UK/Home: £5,238

International: £29,500

July 2026, October 2026

3 August 2026

• Loughborough, United Kingdom