Bioprocess Intensification for carbon dioxide and waste-derived feedstock conversion to bio-based products

This PhD project will combine bioprocess intensification with data analytics to deliver a novel biological conversion route for waste derived feedstocks into an array of bio-based products.

To effectively address the climate crisis, we must transition towards a net-zero future and embrace a circular economy framework. The process industries play a significant role in greenhouse gas emissions, making it crucial for them to adopt sustainable practices. This includes utilising renewable fuels, materials, and resources to decarbonize operations and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Through collaboration between Biofuel Evolution Ltd, the PINZ CDT team, and CPI, this PhD project will investigate the biological conversion of captured carbon dioxide and waste-derived feedstocks into renewable products.

The candidate will first perform data analytics to map the composition of waste-derived feedstocks across domestic and global geographic regions. This will help us examine how seasonality (in particular weather conditions) might affect their fundamental characteristics and how waste streams will differ geographically. By understanding this, the candidate can then design, evolve and optimise highly characterised biocatalysts, microorganisms, and microbial consortia to convert waste-based feedstocks into new products. Finally, using CPI’s pilot plant facilities, the PhD student will have the opportunity to assess the scalability and usability of the processes/technologies that they have demonstrated in a laboratory environment, expanding on the breakthroughs and key learnings discovered.

The candidate will be part of the PINZ CDT which aims to train the next generation of process and chemical engineers, and chemists, to develop the new processes, process technologies and green chemistries required for the process industries transition to Net Zero. As such, the candidate will be able to learn and apply life-cycle analyses and techno-economic assessments in the development of a novel biotechnology process.

• Number of awards: 1
• Start date: 17th September 2024
• Award duration: 4 years
• Application closing date: 31st May 2024
• Sponsor: EPSRC
• Name of supervisors: Dr. S B Velasquez Orta and Prof. A Harvey

Award summary

The studentship provides 100% fees (Home & international), a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £19,237 (2024/25 UKRI rate), and a research training support grant of £20,000.

Eligibility Criteria

You must have, or expect to gain, a minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed PhD project (usually chemical engineering or chemistry, but please get in touch if you think your qualification may be relevant). Enthusiasm for research, the ability to think and work independently, excellent analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are also essential requirements.

Home and international applicants (inc. EU) are welcome to apply and if successful will receive a full studentship. Applicants whose first language is not English require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills.

International applicants may require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate prior to obtaining their visa and to study on this programme. 

How to apply

Once registered select ‘Create a Postgraduate Application’.  

Use ‘Course Search’ to identify your programme of study:  

• Search for the ‘Course Title’ using the programme code: 8856F.
• Leave the ‘Research Area’ field blank.
• Select ‘PhD in Process Industries; Net Zero (PINZ’) as the programme of study.

You will then need to provide the following information in the ‘Further Details’ section:  

• A ‘Personal Statement’ (this is a mandatory field) – upload a document or write a statement directly in to the application form
• The studentship code PINZ11 in the ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ field
• ‘Research Proposal’ – when prompted for how you are providing your research proposal – select ‘Write Proposal’. You should then type in the title of the research project from this advert. You do not need to upload a research proposal.

You must submit one application per studentship, you cannot apply for multiple studentships on one application.

Contact Details

General enquiries: pinz.cdt@ncl.ac.uk