At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop innovative enzymes to tackle plastic pollution and enhance recycling processes.
- Company: Newcastle University, a leader in environmental research and sustainability.
- Benefits: £31,805 stipend per year, full home fees covered, and access to international collaborations.
- Other info: Join a multidisciplinary team and gain unique training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the environment while working with cutting-edge biotechnology.
- Qualifications: MSc in relevant fields and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 31805 - 31805 £ per year.
Qualification Type: PhD
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
Funding for: UK Students
Funding amount: £31,805 stipend per year for students who are eligible for Home fee status
Hours: Full Time
Placed On: 26th June 2026
Closes: 20th July 2026
Reference: COMP2181
Award Summary: 100% home fees covered, and a £31,805 stipend per year for students who are eligible for Home fee status.
Overview: Plastic pollution is one of the defining environmental challenges of our time. This PhD project aims to develop the next generation of engineered enzymes capable of breaking down polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the plastic used in bottles, packaging and textiles, into its reusable building blocks. The ultimate goal is to create highly effective enzyme panels that can operate under conditions relevant to future industrial-scale PET recycling, helping to enable a truly circular plastics economy.
Working at the interface of engineering biology, enzyme engineering and sustainability, you will focus on discovering, characterising and improving PET-degrading enzymes. You will design and test enzyme variants, develop biochemical and analytical assays to measure performance, and investigate how combinations of enzymes can work together to maximise plastic depolymerisation efficiency.
You will be embedded within a multidisciplinary team of experts in artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, laboratory automation and synthetic biology. While the wider team develops AI-driven discovery pipelines and robotic high-throughput workflows, your research will centre on the enzyme engineering and experimental validation that drive real-world impact.
As part of the NERC-funded EngBio4Env Doctoral Focal Award programme, you will join a cohort of researchers tackling major environmental challenges through engineering biology. This provides access to specialist training, industry engagement, entrepreneurship opportunities, and international collaborations, including a research placement with leading partners in Argentina. The project offers a unique opportunity to combine cutting-edge biotechnology with environmental impact and industrial relevance.
Number Of Awards: 1
Start Date: September 2026
Award Duration: 4 years
Application Closing Date: 20 July 2026
Sponsor: NERC
Supervisors: Student will be supervised by Prof. N. Krasnogor and Prof. W. Willats (secondary supervisor), working in collaboration with Prof. C. Romero and Prof. A. Alvarez at PROIMI, Argentina.
Eligibility Criteria: You must have a MSc degree or equivalent in relevant subject or subject relevant to the proposed PhD project (e.g. Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Synthetic Biology, Engineering Biology). Enthusiasm for research, ability to think and work independently, excellent analytical skills and strong verbal/written communication skills are essential requirements.
The studentship covers fees at Home rate (UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status and meet the residency criteria).
Applicants whose first language is not English require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills.
Contact Details: Prof. Natalio Krasnogor
PhD Studentship in Computer Science: Robotic AI-driven Prototype Pipeline for Depolymerisation [...] 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 in Computer Science: Robotic AI-driven Prototype Pipeline for Depolymerisation [...] 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!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like Emerging Scholars Council. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
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 in Computer Science: Robotic AI-driven Prototype Pipeline for Depolymerisation [...] 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!
