PhD Studentship: From Formation to Failure: Tackling Biofilm Challenges in Functional Fluid Systems

This PhD project explores biofilm formation in industrial environments. Biofilm on surfaces is a widespread problem across multiple sectors, creating operational challenges and significant economic impacts. Industries that use liquids containing nutrients for microorganisms, such as cooling waters, metal working fluids, lithographic solutions, textile spin finishes, paper pulp, and oil and gas production, are particularly vulnerable to biofilm growth. 

These systems rely on biocides within functional fluids to control microbial activity and prevent damage. However, biocides cannot be marketed without meeting strict regulatory requirements under the EU Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR, Regulation (EU) 528/2012), the GB equivalent, and similar global frameworks. To obtain approval, industry must provide robust efficacy data showing that a biocide can kill or prevent biofilm in realistic experimental models. A major challenge is the limited availability of standardised testing methods that regulators can confidently use, which can delay or prevent market authorisation.

Project aims and objectives

The aim of this PhD project is to develop methodology required to produce a standardised method for biocidal use to control biofilms in functional fluids.

• Understand existing methodologies that have been used in the literature and in industry to provide an antibiofilm claim.
• Identify representative functional fluids and microorganisms that may be used for an antibiofilm claim.
• develop methods to be more realistic to appropriate industrial environments, and develop a standardised method that aims to assess efficacy of a biocide that either prohibits or retards biofilm growth.
• Understand the biological impact of such biocide treatments on the formation and survival of biofilm in simulated end-use environments.

Funding

Home students can apply only. Home tuition fees will be covered for the duration of the three year award, which is £5,006 for the year 2025/26. 

The student will receive a standard stipend payment for the duration of the award. These payments are set at a level determined by the UKRI, currently £20,780 for the academic year 2025/26. 

Specific requirements of the candidate

The ideal candidate will have a background in microbiology or biology. Desirable skills include:

• Microbiological techniques, specifically the culture of microorganisms
• Ability to design and carry out experiments, and collect, analyse, and interpret resulting datasets using statistical techniques
• Other beneficial experience would include working with biofilms. 

How to apply

Dr James Redfern (J.Redfern@mmu.ac.uk) will lead the project as your Principal Supervisor. You are encouraged to apply for this opportunity directly by following the steps outlined below, without an informal discussion. If you have any queries in relation to this project, please get in touch with the proposed Principal Supervisor. 

To apply you will need to complete the online application form for a full time PhD in the Department of Biological Science. 

Please complete the Doctoral Project Applicant Form, and include your CV and a covering letter to demonstrate how your skills and experience map to the aims and objectives of the project, the area of research and why you see this area as being of importance and interest. 

Please upload these documents in the supporting documents section of the University’s Admissions Portal.

Applications closing date: 14 March 2026 

Expected start date: October 2026

Please quote the reference: SciEng-JR-October 2026-27-Biofilm Functional Fluids

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