At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop predictive models for pharmaceutical manufacturing using advanced simulation and AI-ready modelling.
- Company: Newcastle University in collaboration with AstraZeneca, focusing on innovative pharmaceutical solutions.
- Benefits: Receive a competitive stipend of £21,805 plus a £20,000 research training grant.
- Other info: Unique opportunity to gain expertise in high-performance computing and data-driven engineering.
- Why this job: Join a cutting-edge project that transforms pharmaceutical processes and impacts lives.
- Qualifications: Must have a minimum 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant field like chemical engineering or chemistry.
The predicted salary is between 21805 - 21805 £ per year.
Qualification Type: PhD
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
Funding for: UK Students
Funding amount: £21,805 per annum (2026/27 UKRI rate), and a research training support grant of £20,000.
Hours: Full Time
Placed On: 6th July 2026
Closes: 22nd July 2026
Reference: PINZ11-26
Award Summary
- 100% fees (UK home only)
- A minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £21,805 (2026/27 UKRI rate)
- A research training support grant of £20,000
Overview
Interested in using advanced simulation, AI-ready modelling and industrial data to accelerate pharmaceutical manufacturing and the delivery of life-saving medicines? This industrially focused project, co-supervised by AstraZeneca and Newcastle University, will develop predictive models for pharmaceutical manufacturing and provide access to industrial data and high-performance computing facilities. You will gain expertise in particle simulation, experimental design, high-performance computing, pharmaceutical manufacturing and predictive modelling; preparing you for a career in pharmaceutical, digital manufacturing and data-driven engineering sectors.
Continuous Direct Compression (CDC) is rapidly emerging as a preferred method for pharmaceutical tablet production. A central challenge is powder blending, where active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) must be uniformly mixed with excipients to ensure precise, consistent dosage and product quality. You will develop predictive computational models, validated using experiments and industrial data, to transform how pharmaceutical blending processes are designed and scaled. The project combines simulation, high-performance computing and industrially relevant experimentation, providing a unique opportunity to gain expertise that is highly sought after across pharmaceutical and advanced manufacturing industries.
This project is part of the EPSRC CDT in Process Industries: Net Zero. The successful PhD student will be co-supervised by academics from the Process Intensification Group at Newcastle University.
Number Of Awards: 1
Start Date: 1 October 2026
Award Duration: 4 years
Award Closing Date: 22 July 2026 (The advert will close at midnight on 22 July 2026. Interviews will be conducted as applications are received and the position may be filled before the closing date.)
Sponsor: EPSRC
Supervisors: Dr Colin Hare
Eligibility Criteria
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 (usually chemical engineering or chemistry, but please get in touch if you think your qualification may be relevant). Enthusiasm for research, the ability to think and work independently, excellent analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are also essential requirements. This studentship is available to home students only.
How To Apply
You must apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal. Once registered select ‘Create a Postgraduate Application’. Identify your programme of study via ‘Course Search’ and search for the ‘Course Title’ using the programme code: 8856F. Leave the 'Research Area' field blank and select ‘PhD in Process Industries; Net Zero (PINZ)' as the programme of study.
You will then need to provide the following information in the ‘Further Details’ section:
- A ‘Personal Statement’ (this is mandatory) - upload a document or write a statement directly into the application form
- The studentship code PINZ11-26 in the ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ field
- Research Proposal - when asked how you are providing your research proposal, select ‘Write Proposal’, and enter the title of the research project from this advert. You do not need to upload a separate proposal.
- Upload your CV
You must submit one application per studentship; you cannot apply for multiple studentships in one application. Find out more about the Admissions Process and Timeline for applications for PINZ CDT studentships at Newcastle University.
PhD Studentship - Process Industries: Net Zero - Predictive Modelling of Powder Blending in Con[...] 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 - Process Industries: Net Zero - Predictive Modelling of Powder Blending in Con[...]
✨Unlock Networking Opportunities
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We think you need these skills to ace PhD Studentship - Process Industries: Net Zero - Predictive Modelling of Powder Blending in Con[...]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in the pharmaceutical industry, it's crucial to highlight any relevant experience you have. Whether that's internships, lab work, or even related coursework, make sure to weave this into your CV and cover letter. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're applying for at Emerging Scholars Council!
Emphasise Your Understanding of Regulations:The pharmaceutical industry is heavily regulated, so it's important to indicate your familiarity with industry standards and regulations. In your cover letter, mention any training or certifications you've received that are relevant, or discuss projects where you’ve navigated compliance. This will show Emerging Scholars Council that you're not just a fit for the job but also a safety-conscious candidate!
Tailor Your CV to Be Result-Driven:Craft your CV to highlight quantifiable achievements, especially if you have previous roles in pharmaceuticals or related fields. Use metrics to demonstrate your impact, such as improved processing times or successful project completions while working on trials. This analytical approach will resonate well with hiring managers at Emerging Scholars Council!
Convey Your Passion for the Industry:In your cover letter, express why you are passionate about working in the pharmaceutical sector. Whether it’s your desire to contribute to groundbreaking drug research or improve patient outcomes, let it shine through! At Emerging Scholars Council, we value candidates who are truly enthusiastic about their work—you might just stand out from the crowd.
How to prepare for a job interview at Emerging Scholars Council
✨Understand the Science
Make sure you brush up on key pharmaceutical concepts and recent developments in the industry. You might get asked some technical questions during the interview at Emerging Scholars Council that show your grasp of drug development processes or regulatory requirements, so be ready to discuss them clearly.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
If you have any hands-on experience or internships in a laboratory setting, be sure to highlight these in your responses. Think about the projects you worked on, the methodologies you used, and the impact you made. It's all about telling a story that connects your background to the role you're applying for.
✨Know Their Products
Take some time to familiarise yourself with Emerging Scholars Council’s product range and recent breakthroughs. Understanding their portfolio not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also allows you to ask insightful questions that demonstrate your interest in actively contributing to their projects.
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In a full-time pharmaceutical role, understanding the regulatory landscape is crucial. Prepare for situational questions that may test your problem-solving skills concerning compliance and safety standards. You could be asked how you'd handle a hypothetical issue regarding a drug’s market release, so think through your approach.
