Kamelia Boodhoo

[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.

[100% fees covered and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate). Additional project costs provided.] PhD Studentship in Chemical Engineering: Advancing Fermented-Sugar Pathways for Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production at Newcastle University offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the decarbonisation of aviation through innovative bioprocess research. This fully funded studentship, sponsored by EPSRC, covers 100% tuition fees and provides a generous tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate), with additional project costs supported. Project Overview: The aviation sector faces significant challenges in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, prompting the UK and EU to set ambitious targets for renewable fuel blending. Current sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production methods rely on expensive, food-based feedstocks. This project aims to develop alternative, sustainable pathways by harnessing microbial conversion of lignocellulosic C5/C6 sugars—sourced from agricultural residues—into higher alcohols suitable for SAF. The research aligns with the UK’s Jet Zero and circular bioeconomy initiatives. Research Objectives & Activities: The successful candidate will identify and evaluate high-performing yeast and bacterial strains for efficient sugar utilisation and tolerance. Laboratory-scale fermentation trials will optimise batch, fed batch, and continuous operations. The project will also assess 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 evaluate cost-effectiveness and environmental impact. Skills & Eligibility: Applicants should have a background in chemical or biochemical engineering, biotechnology, or microbial processes. Experience in fermentation, microbial cultivation, and analytical techniques (HPLC/GC) is highly desirable. Familiarity with bioprocess modelling and simulation tools (Aspen Plus, MATLAB, Python), TEA, and LCA will be advantageous. Strong analytical, problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills are essential. The standard entry requirement is a minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant subject. Masters qualification is not mandatory if alternative experience can be demonstrated. Non-native English speakers require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in all sub-skills). International applicants may need ATAS clearance for visa purposes. Supervision & Research Environment: The project will be supervised by Dr Sabeeha Khadaroo and Professor Kamelia Boodhoo, both experts in chemical engineering and bioprocess development. Newcastle University provides a vibrant research environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities and interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities. Application Process: Applications should be submitted via the Newcastle University Postgraduate Funding Search portal (code DLA2602). The closing date is 18th February 2026, with the studentship commencing on 1st October 2026. For project-specific queries, contact Dr Sabeeha Khadaroo at [email protected]. For general advice, email [email protected]. Why Apply? This studentship offers the chance to work at the forefront of sustainable fuel research, develop advanced bioprocessing skills, and contribute to global efforts in aviation decarbonisation. Successful candidates will join a dynamic team and benefit from comprehensive funding and support throughout their doctoral studies.

[100% fees covered, minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate), plus additional project costs.] This fully funded PhD studentship at Newcastle University offers an exciting opportunity to advance sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production through innovative bioprocess engineering. The project is sponsored by EPSRC and provides 100% tuition fee coverage, a tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate), and additional support for project costs. Decarbonising aviation is a global challenge, with the UK and EU introducing ambitious SAF mandates targeting 22% renewable blending by 2040 and 70% by 2050. Current SAF production routes rely on costly, food-based feedstocks, limiting scalability and sustainability. This research addresses these limitations by exploring microbial conversion of lignocellulosic C5/C6 sugars from agricultural residues into higher alcohols, offering a sustainable alternative aligned with Jet Zero and circular bioeconomy goals. The project aims to identify robust yeast and bacterial strains capable of efficiently converting mixed C5/C6 sugars into higher alcohols with high yield and productivity. Research activities include strain screening for sugar utilisation and tolerance, optimisation of batch, fed batch, and continuous fermentation operations, evaluation of in situ product recovery (ISPR) methods to enhance productivity and energy efficiency, and bioprocess modelling using simulation, techno-economic analysis (TEA), and life-cycle assessment (LCA) to assess cost and greenhouse gas (GHG) performance. Applicants should have a background in biochemical or chemical engineering, biotechnology, or microbial processes. Hands-on experience in fermentation, microbial cultivation, and analytical techniques (HPLC/GC) is preferred. Familiarity with bioprocess modelling and simulation tools (Aspen Plus, MATLAB, or Python), TEA, and LCA is desirable. Strong data analysis, problem-solving, and teamwork skills, as well as a commitment to sustainability and research integrity, are essential. Eligibility requires a minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant subject. Prior experience, enthusiasm for research, and independent thinking are valued. A Masters qualification may not be required if alternative experience can be evidenced. Applicants whose first language is not English must have an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills. International applicants may require an ATAS clearance certificate prior to obtaining their visa. The studentship will be supervised by Dr Sabeeha Khadaroo and Professor Kamelia Boodhoo, both from the School of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) at Newcastle University. The award duration is four years, starting 1st October 2026. Only one award is available. To apply, visit the Newcastle University Postgraduate Funding Search portal and review the eligibility criteria. For project-specific queries, contact Dr Sabeeha Khadaroo at [email protected]. For independent advice, email [email protected]. The application deadline is 18th February 2026.