Aston University
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Net2Zero CDT
Fully Funded PhD in Sustainable Biocatalytic Routes from Lignin to Substituted Pyridine Building Blocks Aston University in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Biochemistry
Funding
Four-year fully funded studentship with a tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate (£21,805 per year for 2026/27), paid tuition fees, and a generous research training support grant.
Country
United Kingdom
University
Aston University
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About this position
PhD opportunity in sustainable biocatalysis, lignin valorisation, chemistry, biochemistry, enzymology, and microbial biotransformations at the Net2Zero Centre for Doctoral Training. The project is titled “Sustainable biocatalytic routes from lignin to substituted pyridine building blocks” and focuses on converting lignin, an aromatic heteropolymer from plant biomass, into pyridine chemicals for agrochemical applications in collaboration with Syngenta.
The research will build on prior work from Prof. Tim Bugg’s group on biocatalytic routes from lignin to pyridine dicarboxylic acids in Rhodococcus jostii RHA1. The new project will adapt these pathways to process C3-substituted alkyl guaiacols from reductive catalytic fractionation of lignin, generating pyridine carboxylic acids with C3 sidechains and exploring related heterocycle-forming cyclisation reactions. Work will be carried out both in vitro with purified recombinant enzymes and in Rhodococcus jostii RHA1 as a microbial host.
Students will gain experience in enzymology, microbial biotransformations, analytical biochemistry, protein overproduction and purification, enzyme assays, and related biochemical techniques. The CDT also offers interdisciplinary training, networking with academia, government and industry, and a three-month placement with an industrial, research, or policy partner.
This is a fully funded PhD for home fee status candidates only. Funding includes a tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate (£21,805 per year for 2026/27), paid tuition fees, and a generous research training support grant. International applicants will not be considered.
Applicants should have a strong background in Chemistry or Biochemistry with a First or Upper Second-Class honours degree or equivalent, plus experience or knowledge of biological chemistry, enzymes, microbes, protein purification, enzyme assays, and biotransformations. Strong organisational and communication skills and motivation for curiosity-driven research are expected.
The project starts in October 2026. Applications are submitted via the online Expression of Interest form. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to meet the supervisors before a formal application is made through the home institution.
Funding details
Four-year fully funded studentship with a tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate (£21,805 per year for 2026/27), paid tuition fees, and a generous research training support grant.
What's required
Applicants must have home fee status only. A strong foundation in Chemistry or Biochemistry with a First or Upper Second-Class honours degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) is required. Experience in biological chemistry and/or working with enzymes is required, along with knowledge or experience of biochemical techniques such as working with microbes, protein overproduction and purification, enzyme assays, and biotransformations. Excellent organisational and communication skills and strong motivation for curiosity-driven research are expected. International candidates are not eligible. If English is not the first language, evidence of English language proficiency will be required at a later stage.
How to apply
Submit an Expression of Interest via the online application form. Prepare personal details, passport/status evidence if relevant, academic transcripts and certificates, research background, and English language evidence if needed. Shortlisted candidates may meet the supervisors, and successful applicants will later submit a formal application through the home institution.
More information can be found here
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