The overall aim of this research project is to discover novel transaminases biocatalysts from extreme halophilic microorganisms isolated from Triassic halite evaporites, for application in active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and fine chemical synthesis. Specifically, research will focus on the and isolation of transaminases from extremely halophilic bacteria/arcahaea and their optimization through directed evolution approaches. This is a BBSRC-funded 4-year Industrial CASE (iCASE) studentship based at the School of Pharmacy Queens University Belfast, with an industry placment of a minimum of 3 months with the industrial partner, Almac Sciences (Craigavon, N. Ireland). Almac Sciences is an integrated chemistry and drug development services provider which provides services to more than 600 companies, including world leaders in the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors. Almac Sciences has established a strong, energetic biocatalysis group with a dedicated building for research with state-of-the-art facilities. Almac have a particular interest in biocatalysis for green, economic, robust and scalable processes for the synthesis of chiral and achiral APIs/intermediates and GMP manufacturing.