Fully Funded PhD in Nutrition, Insect Science and Vitamin B12 Bioavailability at University of Leeds University of Leeds in United Kingdom

We are advertising a fully funded PhD at the University of Leeds within the National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre (NAPIC) and the School of Food Science & Nutrition.

Project title: Closing the Vitamin B12 Gap with Insects: Optimised Black Soldier Fly Larvae and Digestive Bioavailability

This interdisciplinary project sits at the intersection of nutrition, food science, biology, public health, environmental science, entomology, and alternative proteins. The research asks whether black soldier fly larvae can provide a sustainable and bioavailable source of vitamin B12 for future food, feed, and nutraceutical applications.

The successful PhD candidate will investigate optimisation of vitamin B12 production in black soldier fly larvae, simulated gastrointestinal digestion using standardised in vitro models, vitamin B12 bioaccessibility after digestion, intestinal uptake and transepithelial transport using cell-based models, and the potential of insect-derived ingredients for sustainable nutrition and food fortification.

The supervisory team includes Dr Alan Javier Hernandez Alvarez (Lead Supervisor), Dr Gesa Reiss, Dr María Lilibeth Manzanilla Valdez, Dr Christine Bösch, and Professor Jeffery Tomberlin at Texas A&M University. The project is also linked with industry partner Fairman Knight and Sons UK Limited (FKS), offering exposure to the commercial insect-protein sector and translational research.

There may be an opportunity to undertake part of the research at Texas A&M University. International applicants are welcome, but international candidates must cover the difference between the UK Home tuition fee and the applicable international tuition fee.

Application: use the project page for full details and apply through the University of Leeds application route.