PhD Studentship in Chemical Engineering: Advancing Fermented-Sugar Pathways for Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production Newcastle University in United Kingdom

[100% fees covered and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate). Additional project costs provided. Funded by EPSRC.]

Project Overview: This fully funded PhD studentship at Newcastle University offers an exciting opportunity to advance sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production through innovative chemical engineering and biotechnology research. The project is motivated by the urgent need to decarbonise aviation, in line with ambitious UK and EU SAF mandates targeting significant renewable blending by 2040 and 2050. Current SAF production methods rely on expensive, food-based feedstocks, but this research aims to develop a more sustainable alternative by converting lignocellulosic C5/C6 sugars from agricultural residues into higher alcohols suitable for aviation fuel.

Research Focus: The successful candidate will investigate high-performing microbial species (yeast and bacteria) for their ability to efficiently convert mixed C5/C6 sugars into higher alcohols. The project will involve screening and evaluating microbial strains, optimising fermentation processes (batch, fed batch, and continuous), and testing in situ product recovery (ISPR) methods to enhance productivity and energy efficiency. Bioprocess modelling, including simulation, techno-economic analysis (TEA), and life-cycle assessment (LCA), will be used to assess the cost-effectiveness and environmental impact of the developed processes.

Skills and Training: The studentship is ideal for candidates with a background in biochemical or chemical engineering, biotechnology, or microbial processes. Experience in fermentation, microbial cultivation, and analytical techniques (HPLC/GC) is highly valued, as is familiarity with bioprocess modelling tools such as Aspen Plus, MATLAB, or Python. The project will provide comprehensive training in advanced bioprocess engineering, sustainability assessment, and data analysis, preparing the student for a career in academia or the bio-based industrial sector.

Funding and Support: The award covers 100% of tuition fees and provides a tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate), with additional project costs supported. The project is sponsored by EPSRC and supervised by Dr Sabeeha Khadaroo and Prof Kamelia Boodhoo, both from the School of Engineering (SAgE) at Newcastle University.

Eligibility and Requirements: Applicants should hold at least a 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant field. Strong analytical, problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills are essential. A Masters qualification is not required if the candidate has a minimum 2:1 degree or equivalent experience. Applicants whose first language is not English must have an IELTS score of 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in all sub-skills). International applicants may require an ATAS certificate.

Application Process: Applications should be submitted via the Newcastle University Postgraduate Funding Search portal. For project-specific queries, contact Dr Sabeeha Khadaroo at [email protected]. For independent advice, email [email protected]. The application deadline is 18 February 2026, and the studentship will commence on 1 October 2026.