Opportunities

Opportunities to join the group.

Open PhD projects

We are excited to announce a new project for PhD applications. Please note that we must operate within a very tight deadline and turnaround time due to circumstances beyond our control.
 
PhD Project Title:
Scalable Cannabisin Production from Engineered Cannabis Sativa Suspension Cell Culture
 
Project Summary:
Cannabis sativa (hemp) produces a family of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory molecules called cannabisins, already valued by the cosmetics industry as functional skincare actives. Extracting them from whole plants is constrained by seasonality, variable yields and the regulatory burden surrounding the crop, making cell-based production an attractive alternative: plant cell cultures offer a sterile, controlled and scalable route to high-value compounds, decoupled from field cultivation. At present, however, the only biotechnological route capable of producing useful quantities of cannabisins is hairy root culture, a technology that is difficult to automate and has struggled to scale beyond small pilot volumes.
This project asks whether hemp suspension cells can be engineered and elicited to accumulate cannabisins at commercially meaningful concentrations, and will build the cell line and bioprocess engineering methodology needed to do so. Working through the engineering biology design cycle, the student will first establish cell lines and use RNA sequencing to identify the biosynthetic and regulatory genes controlling cannabisin production, then develop and apply gene editing involving the CRISPR/Cas and MAD7 nucleases, targeted overexpression of rate-limiting enzymes and transcription factors, and elicitation strategies to redirect metabolic flux towards the target compounds. Candidate lines will be characterised by LC-MS and HPLC metabolite quantification through iterative rounds of design, engineering and testing, and the most promising are then validated hands-on at bench scale (1-10 L) using our industry partner Extracellular's own reactors.
The student will train across plant cell engineering (tissue culture, gene editing and overexpression), transcriptomic gene discovery, analytical phytochemistry and industrial bioprocess design, with an embedded placement at Extracellular's facility. With direct relevance to an industrial sector and the opportunity to engage with commercial partners, the project offers an excellent foundation for a career in either academia or the growing engineering biology and natural-products industries.
 
Application Timeline and Deadlines:
  • Candidate Application Deadline: 31 July 2026. Candidates are required to complete the Application Form and ensure their two references submit the completed Reference Forms directly to Dr. Attila Molnar (attila.molnar@ed.ac.uk) by 31 July 2026. The forms can be downloaded from our website. Please note, the successful candidate will be asked to apply via EUCLID following an offer.
 
  • Interviews: Scheduled for 11 August 2026. 
 
  • Program Start Date: The successful candidate is expected to commence in October 2026.
 
 
Eligibility Criteria:
Only home-fee status candidates are eligible. Applicants must typically be a British or Irish citizen, or have Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or EU Settled Status.
 
For more information, please contact Dr. Attila Molnar directly.
 
EastBio Application Form (183.83 KB / DOCX)
EastBio Reference Form (164.09 KB / DOCX)

Postdoctoral fellowships

The School offers assistance with obtaining fellowship funding or guidance for potential self-funded candidates. 

Information on funding sources and how to make an application

I am happy to discuss sponsorship for fellowship applications to join the lab.

PhD projects

The School awards a number of research council-funded studentships available for both UK/EU and international students. These studentships cover the costs of fees and living expenses and are awarded competitively. 

Applications generally open between Oct - Dec. 

Advertised PhD positions

General information about postgraduate study and submitting applications can be found at:

Visiting researchers 

We welcome applications from colleagues at any stage of their career (undergraduate placements, visiting Masters, PhD and postdoctoral researchers). 

More information for short-term visiting research students

Summer studentship

We can provide short-term projects for undergraduates who are interested in gaining research experience during the summer vacation.

Please contact Attila Molnar to discuss current opportunities and request further information on available/potential projects.

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