Programmable membrane proteins for nanoscale transport and sensing

Project Summary

Protein pores are central to biotechnology and synthetic biology, mediating the transport of ions and molecules across membranes. Their finely tuned assembly – featuring defined subunit numbers, pore diameters and lengths – combined with highly diverse sequences, offer rich opportunities to create bespoke interior and exterior chemistries for sensing and sequencing.

The Qing and Bayley groups have extensive nanopore engineering expertise, but have only just begun to cover the potentially vast design space. We welcome motivated candidates from diverse backgrounds to endeavour to programme a broad range of pore-forming proteins. By combining state-of-the-art experimental and computational techniques, candidates will systematically explore structural variation, probe the fundamental principles of protein folding and assembly, and create functions that do not occur in natural evolution.

Advisors

• Professor Yujia Qing (Senior Group Leader, EIT & Associate Professor of Organic Chemistry, University of Oxford)
• Professor Hagan Bayley (Principal Scientist, EIT & Professor of Chemical Biology, University of Oxford)

Skills Recommended

• A 4-year undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g. Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Computer Science).
• Research experience in laboratory techniques and data analysis, ideally in areas such as protein biochemistry, molecular genetics, and organic chemistry.
• Strong self-motivation and enthusiasm for research in a dynamic and evolving field.
• Clear and effective communication skills, written and verbal, with an interest in working across disciplines.

University DPhil Courses 

• DPhil from the University of Oxford

Relevant Literature

• Qing, Y., Ionescu, S.A., Pulcu, G.S. and Bayley, H. Directional control of a processive molecular hopper. Science 361, 908-912 (2018)
• Wang, X., Kerckhoffs, A., Riexinger, J., Cornall, M., Langton, M.J., Bayley, H. and Qing, Y. ON-OFF nanopores for optical control of transmembrane ionic communication. Nature Nanotechnology 20, 432-440 (2025).

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