At a Glance
- Tasks: Explore innovative biorecovery methods for rare earth elements using cutting-edge microbiology and AI.
- Company: Join Newcastle University, a leader in biotechnology and environmental sciences.
- Benefits: Receive a tax-free annual allowance of £31,805 and full Home fees coverage.
- Other info: Collaborate with top scientists at the UK's national synchrotron facility.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable technology and the environment through groundbreaking research.
- Qualifications: Must have a minimum 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant field like Chemistry or Biology.
The predicted salary is between 31805 - 31805 £ per year.
Newcastle University
Qualification Type: PhD
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
Funding for: UK Students, International Students
Funding amount: £31,805 tax-free annual living allowance per year and 100% Home fees covered
Hours: Full Time
Placed On: 29th June 2026
Closes: 17th July 2026
Reference: SNES311
Award Summary
100% Home fees covered and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £31,805 per year for students who are eligible for Home fee status.
Overview
Technologically critical rare-earth elements (REEs) are essential to key sectors in the modern economy including the electronic, energy, pharmaceutical and automobile industries. Despite their importance, these critical elements are notoriously difficult to isolate from natural sources, with widely used hydrometallurgical liquid–liquid extraction methods reliant on the extensive use of organic solvents and toxic extractants.
For these reasons, there is a pressing need to develop new biobased extraction methods to support the exponentially growing global demand for REEs. Lanthanophores are a family of recently identified secreted bacterial proteins that facilitate the acquisition, transport, and integration of REEs into microbial metabolic processes. During this interdisciplinary project, which combines microbiology, structural biology, AI guided protein engineering and chemical analysis, you will establish the molecular basis of REE binding and discrimination in naturally evolved lanthanophores, establishing the ‘rules’ of REE acquisition in biology.
With this knowledge in hand, you will then use AI guided protein engineering to explore the feasibility of developing ‘designer’ lanthanophores. Finally, natural and engineered lanthanophores will be integrated into our established flow system to investigate their capacity to recover REEs from environmental samples. This project will be conducted in partnership with scientists at the UK’s national synchrotron facility Diamond Light Source, making use of recently established instrumentation for the study of REEs in biology.
Number of awards 1
Start date 1st October 2026
Award duration 4 years
Application closing date Friday 17th July 2026
Sponsor DFA NERC
Study at Newcastle University
Name of supervisor/s
- Prof Paul Race, Professor of Biotechnology, Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University
- Dr Jem Stach
- Dr Jon Sellars
- Prof Justin Perry
- Dr Christian Orr
Eligibility Criteria
Due to funding restrictions, this project is only open to students eligible for Home rate fees. You must have, or expect to gain, a minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed PhD project, including Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular or Structural Biology, or a related discipline. The studentship covers fees at the Home rate (UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status and meet the residency criteria.)
How To Apply
Contact Details: Paul Race (paul.race1@newcastle.ac.uk)
PhD Studentship: Biorecovery of Rare Earth Elements using Natural and Engineered Lanthanophores in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Emerging Scholars Council
Newcastle University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant academic environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to research excellence and professional development, employees benefit from access to cutting-edge resources and opportunities for growth in the field of implementation science. Located in a dynamic city known for its rich cultural heritage and supportive community, Newcastle University provides a unique setting for meaningful and impactful work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Studentship: Biorecovery of Rare Earth Elements using Natural and Engineered Lanthanophores in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
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Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like Emerging Scholars Council!
We think you need these skills to ace PhD Studentship: Biorecovery of Rare Earth Elements using Natural and Engineered Lanthanophores in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Emerging Scholars Council that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Emerging Scholars Council.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Emerging Scholars Council does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Emerging Scholars Council
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Emerging Scholars Council. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Emerging Scholars Council's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Emerging Scholars Council. This shows your passion for the industry!
