A Digital Engineering Approach to Accelerate Bioprocess Development for Cellular Agriculture University of Bath in United Kingdom

The Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Bath is offering a fully-funded PhD project titled "A Digital Engineering Approach to Accelerate Bioprocess Development for Cellular Agriculture." This research opportunity is designed to address the urgent need for sustainable food production systems, as the agrifood sector is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, freshwater usage, and land consumption. Cellular agriculture is emerging as a promising alternative protein source, capable of enhancing food system resilience and reducing environmental impact.

The project aims to develop highly predictive digital twins and novel scale-down models for precision fermentation processes, such as yeast strains producing oils and fats. By integrating digital engineering with wet-lab fermentations, the research will generate insights correlating cell performance with simulated physiochemical environments. These findings will inform the creation of bespoke scale-down models, enabling high-throughput screening of microbial strain candidates and accelerating the commercialization of cellular agriculture products.

Key focus areas include:

• In Silico Models of Microbial Fermenters: Using computer-aided design (CAD) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to translate fermenter equipment into digital models and create predictive digital twins.
• Bench-Scale Fermentations: Conducting bench-scale fermentations with various operating modes and employing Design of Experiments (DoE) to optimize cell growth, productivity, and product quality.
• Novel Scale-Down Models: Designing, fabricating, and operating cultivation systems that mimic key physical and biochemical environments impacting precision fermentation performance.

Funding: The University of Bath 'LURS' studentship covers tuition fees at the Home or Overseas rate, a stipend (£21,805 for 2026/27), and a £1000 per annum training support budget for up to 3 years.

Eligibility: Applicants should hold a First-Class or 2:1 master's degree (MEng or MSc) in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, or a closely related discipline. Candidates with a First-Class BSc/BEng (Hons) and significant relevant industry or research experience may also be considered. Experience or strong interest in microbial fermentation, cell cultivation, bioreactor operation and process control, CAD, CFD, and data analysis (Python/MATLAB) is highly valued. Non-UK applicants must meet the University of Bath's English language entry requirements.

Application Process: Formal applications should be submitted via the University of Bath’s online application form for a PhD in Chemical Engineering. Applicants must select 'University of Bath LURS' in the funding section and provide the supervisor's name and project title. Early application is encouraged as the advert will close when a suitable candidate is identified. Informal enquiries can be directed to Dr Akin Odeleye ([email protected]).

The University of Bath values diversity and inclusion, welcoming applications from under-represented groups. If you have circumstances affecting your educational attainment, you are encouraged to mention them in your application.

References supporting the project’s context include Nature Food, Our World in Data, United Nations, and UN News.