At a Glance
- Tasks: Research and develop next-gen hair repair products using innovative chemistry.
- Company: Join Newcastle University and collaborate with Procter & Gamble.
- Benefits: 100% home fees covered and a tax-free living allowance of £21,805.
- Other info: Exciting interdisciplinary project with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the booming £100 billion hair care market.
- Qualifications: A minimum 2:1 MChem or equivalent in chemistry or related field.
The predicted salary is between 33251 - 40000 £ per year.
Employer: Newcastle University
Qualifications: Qualification Type: PhD
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
Funding for: UK Students
Funding amount: £21,805 - please see advert
Hours: Full Time
Posted On: 10th July 2026
Closes: 15th August 2026
Reference: SNES309a
Award Summary: 100% home fees covered, and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £21,805 (subject to minor change)
Overview: Human hair possesses a complex, hierarchical structure that is readily damaged during routine styling treatments involving heat, chemical processing, and mechanical stress. The global hair care market is a highly innovative and dynamic sector, estimated at more than £100 billion and growing at over 6% every year. This project aims to deliver a step-change in hair care technology by developing new strategies to form covalent bonds within hair fibres, moving beyond current approaches that rely primarily on hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions. While these weaker interactions can provide temporary repair, they are inherently fragile and often lost after repeated washing. Drawing inspiration from contemporary organic chemistry, this project will explore methods to permanently restore structural integrity by covalently repairing damaged bonds within hair. The project will investigate chemistries for the selective covalent modification of the hair surface, enabling durable repair and functional enhancement. A key focus will be the development of reactions that are not only effective, but also safe, non-toxic, and fully compatible with existing hair care routines. This interdisciplinary project will appeal to candidates interested in applying fundamental chemistry to real-world challenges. The student will benefit from close collaboration with scientists at Procter & Gamble Hair Care in Cincinnati.
Details: Number of awards: 1
Start date: 21st September 2026
Award duration: 3 Years
Sponsor: Procter & Gamble
Supervisors: Prof David A Fulton (Newcastle University), Dr Sonja Knowles (Procter & Gamble)
Eligibility Criteria: Home applicants are welcome to apply and if successful will receive a full studentship. You must have, or expect to gain, a minimum A 2:1 MChem, or international equivalent, in chemistry or a related subject. We will also consider applicants on an individual basis with BSc qualifications if they have additional relevant experience.
Contact Details: For informal enquiries and further details, contact.
PhD Studentship - Next-Generation Hair Repair Products 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 - Next-Generation Hair Repair Products
✨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 - Next-Generation Hair Repair Products
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!
