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Coventry University

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Funded PhD in Sustainable Rare Earth Element Recovery from Secondary Resources Coventry University in United Kingdom

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Microbiology

Funding

Funded PhD project through UKRI/BBSRC Doctoral Landscape Awards via the Midlands Integrative Biosciences Training Partnership. Includes full tuition fees at UK rate, a tax-free annual stipend currently £21,805 for academic year 2026-27, a travel/conference budget, a generous consumables budget, and use of a MacBook Pro for the duration of the programme. Coventry University covers the difference between UK and international tuition fee rates.

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Country

United Kingdom

University

Coventry University

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Keywords

Microbiology
Environmental Science
Chemical Engineering
Materials Science
Biology
Life Cycle Assessment
Environmental Sustainability
Metabolic Engineering
Circular Economy
Techno-economic Analysis
Rare Earth

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About this position

Funded PhD opportunity at Coventry University within the Centre for Discoveries in Life Science and the Midlands Integrative Biosciences Training Partnership (MIBTP).

The project is titled Sustainable Rare Earth Element Recovery from Secondary Resources: Integrating Bioleaching, Metabolic Engineering and Life Cycle Assessment. It focuses on recovering rare earth elements from electronic waste using engineered yeast-based bioleaching, with an emphasis on microbiology, biotechnology, metabolic engineering, life cycle assessment, and process optimisation for circular economy applications.

Research themes include screening yeast strains and fermentation conditions, improving organic acid production and metal tolerance, multi-omics analysis, direct and indirect bioleaching, downstream separation, and environmental/economic evaluation through LCA and techno-economic analysis. The work is relevant to sustainable resource recovery, critical raw materials, and net-zero goals.

This is a funded PhD project for students worldwide. Funding includes full tuition fees at UK rate, a tax-free annual stipend of £21,805 (2026-27), a travel/conference budget, consumables support, and use of a MacBook Pro. Coventry University also covers the difference between UK and international tuition fees.

Entry requirements include a relevant first degree at 2:1 level or equivalent, with strong project marks/overall module average, plus English language proficiency (IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with 6.5 in each band, or TOEFL iBT 95 overall with 21 in each section).

To apply, check eligibility, complete the ED&I form as an expression of interest, and submit the application form. For administrative questions, contact [email protected].

Funding details

Funded PhD project through UKRI/BBSRC Doctoral Landscape Awards via the Midlands Integrative Biosciences Training Partnership. Includes full tuition fees at UK rate, a tax-free annual stipend currently £21,805 for academic year 2026-27, a travel/conference budget, a generous consumables budget, and use of a MacBook Pro for the duration of the programme. Coventry University covers the difference between UK and international tuition fee rates.

What's required

Applicants should have an MSc/MA by Research entry route and a minimum 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with at least 60% in the project element or equivalent and 60% overall module average. Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency with IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with at least 6.5 in each component, or TOEFL iBT 95 overall with at least 21 in each component. Students from a wide diversity of academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

How to apply

Check your eligibility, complete the ED&I form as an expression of interest, and then complete the application form. Review the MIBTP Data Privacy Policy and contact [email protected] for administrative questions if needed.

More information can be found here

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