PhD Studentship: Exploring the enzymatic treatment of oiled shorelines

Starting date: Oct 2026

Funded PhD project (UK students only)

Vision

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD researcher to join a multidisciplinary project developing environmentally friendly, enzyme‑based technologies for tackling oil spills. This fully funded studentship offers the opportunity to make a real-world impact on global environmental remediation strategies. You will join a team of researchers based in the School of Chemistry and in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Nottingham and you will work closely with our industrial partners at Oil Spill Response Ltd (OSRL). OSRL has a track record of supporting oil spill research and previous PhD students have gone on to work in industry and academia. 

Motivation and aim

The aim of this PhD project is to investigate the use of enzymatic cocktails for the degradation of New Fuel Oils for use in oil spill response.

Environmental contaminations from oil spills and extraction remain a major concern, requiring effective strategies to reduce both immediate and long-term impact. Conventional remediation methods, such as skimming, in-situ burning and dispersants, are well proven over the decades and provide scenario-specific mitigation techniques, but have some limitations. Alternative response technique such as bioremediation, typically carried out using microorganisms or enzymes, offer a promising addition to the response “toolbox”. Although several microorganisms can degrade oil and are often abundant around contamination sites, their use can be restricted by concerns about releasing non-native species into the environment. Enzymes, on the other hand, can be effective, relatively cheap, and safe, and hence potentially more suitable for emergency responses.

Building on ongoing research in our groups, you will:

• Express, purify, and characterise enzymes capable of degrading fuel components
• Evaluate synergistic enzyme mixtures and optimise their activity under conditions that mimic contaminated shorelines
• Compare enzymatic performance to existing remediation strategies

You will receive extensive training across protein biochemistry, enzyme analysis, and chemical characterisation, as well as opportunities for industrial engagement and career development.

Who we are looking for

We welcome applications from enthusiastic candidates with a degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Natural Sciences, or a related field (first‑class or strong upper second-class; MSc distinction/high merit).

Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact Dr Luisa Ciano (luisa.ciano@nottingham.ac.uk) and/or Dr Anca Pordea (anca.pordea@nottingham.ac.uk) for more details or enquiries about the project. Formal applications should include CV, cover letter and academic transcripts, and should be made online through University of Nottingham’s application system, indicating “Chemistry” for the School and “Dr Luisa Ciano” as the supervisor. Email Luisa Ciano when applying.

Funding notes

Fully funded studentship to commence in October 2026. UK students only – tuition fees paid and full stipend, tax-free, for 48 months at the RCUK rate (£21,805 per annum for the 2026/27 entry). International students will be considered only if they hold a scholarship to cover the international fees.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have, or expected to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree in Chemistry or a related subject. A MChem/MSc-4-year integrated Master’s, a BSc + MSc or a BSc with substantial research experience will be highly advantageous. Experience in one or more of the following is also beneficial (not essential): biochemistry, biological chemistry, biocatalysis, spectroscopy.

If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence before the beginning of the studentship that you meet the University minimum English Language requirements (IELTS 6.0 with at least 5.5 in each element).

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