PhD Scholarship: Creating synthetic organelles through engineering biology for biotechnology and biomanufacturing

About this Project:

The University of Hull is researching how to create synthetic organelles for multiple purposes in biotechnology. This PhD project will focus on creating synthetic lipid-compartmentalising organelles in microbes using components from plants and other organisms and apply them to biomanufacturing. This technology will provide a novel solution to produce high-value chemicals from cellulose economically purified from waste lignocellulose by our industrial partner Lixea.

The PhD student will join a vibrant and diverse research community that will support and empower them and includes other PhD students in Biology and related disciplines. The PhD student is expected to be trained in a highly valued skillset that combines molecular biology with fermentation science to fill skill gaps in the growing UK bioeconomy, which is being supported by government funding and research strategy from UKRI BBSRC and EPSRC (Synthetic Biology, Engineering Biology).

Supervisors:

Dr Mauro Adriel Rinaldi,

Prof Pauline Deutz,

Dr Vicky Skoulou,

Funding:

• The successful applicant will receive a fee waiver and a maintenance grant / stipend for three years (full-time) or six years (part-time), which covers the research period of the PhD. The fee waiver for 24/25 is £4786 (Home fee) and the maintenance grant is £19237 per annum. This rises each year in line with the UKRI’s recommended stipend allowance.

• If you need to move into a fourth year (full time) or seventh year (part-time) to complete your thesis, you will not receive a tuition fee waiver or maintenance grant during this period and you will be required to pay a continuation fee.

Entry Requirements:

Applicants should have a minimum 2:1 degree in a Molecular Biology related subject. A taught MSc or Masters by Research in a relevant subject would be an advantage.

For more details on our entry requirements please visit the postgraduate admissions webpage.

International applicants:

This opportunity comes with a Home fee waiver only, which will not cover the full International fee. You will therefore need to pay the difference between the Home fee and the International fee and will need to provide evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover this.

How to Apply:

You will need to supply a personal statement when applying for this scholarship position. Find out more about writing a personal statement. Please also ensure you include the following information:  

1. What motivates you to pursue PhD study
2. Why you are interested in this project
3. How your skill set matches the requirements for your choice of project and/or any additional training you will need
4. The wider significance of research in this area and potential future research directions for the project.

Apply for Scholarship here

Closing Date: 14^th June 2024

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