PhD in Engineering Biology and Chemistry University of Edinburgh

University: The University of Edinburgh

Country: United Kingdom

Deadline: Not specified

Fields: Biotechnology, Engineering Biology, Chemistry, Sustainable Manufacturing, Environmental Science

Are you passionate about pioneering sustainable solutions at the intersection of biology, chemistry, and industry? Do you want your doctoral research to contribute directly to a greener future while collaborating with leading academics and industry partners? If so, the PhD opportunities at The University of Edinburgh’s Carbon-Loop Sustainable Manufacturing Hub could be your next step.

The University of Edinburgh, located in Scotland’s historic and vibrant capital, is one of the world’s leading research universities. Renowned for its academic excellence, innovation, and global impact, the university offers a dynamic and inclusive environment for postgraduate study. Edinburgh itself is a UNESCO World Heritage city, known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and thriving scientific community. The University’s College of Science and Engineering is internationally recognized for fostering interdisciplinary research, making it an ideal setting for ambitious scholars seeking to address global challenges.

The Available PhD Positions Are Embedded Within The EPSRC-funded Carbon-Loop Sustainable Manufacturing Hub, An Initiative Designed To Revolutionize The Way Industrial Waste Streams Are Managed And Transformed. The Projects Focus On Two Innovative Fronts

• Bio-upcycling waste human hair into chemicals for haircare products.
• Reimagining solvent waste from the pharmaceutical industry as a microbial feedstock.

• United Kingdom – PhD in Brain-Machine Interfaces at University of Southampton
• Germany – PhD in Behavioral Economics at Max Planck Institute
• Belgium – PhD in Operations Research at Ghent University & KU Leuven
• UK – PhD in AI-Driven Medical Imaging at Cardiff University
• Canada – PhD & Postdoc in Robotics at Toronto Metropolitan University

These research avenues are not only scientifically cutting-edge but also address urgent environmental and industrial concerns. By developing sustainable methods to repurpose unconventional waste, the projects aim to minimize environmental impact, promote circular economy principles, and create new value chains in the manufacturing and chemical sectors. The direct engagement with industry partners ensures that the research outcomes have immediate, real-world relevance and the potential for large-scale application.

Both PhD projects are hosted in the lab of Dr. Stephen Wallace at The University of Edinburgh. As part of the Carbon-Loop Sustainable Manufacturing Hub, the research benefits from close collaboration with three industry partners and access to advanced scale-up infrastructure through C-Loop. The projects are early-stage and highly impactful, offering a unique opportunity for doctoral candidates to contribute to real industry challenges and innovative sustainable manufacturing solutions.

The involvement of a hair salon as a partner underscores the unconventional and creative approach taken by these projects.

The ideal applicants will be graduates with backgrounds in biotechnology, engineering biology, chemistry, or closely related fields. Candidates should possess:

• A strong academic record in a relevant discipline.
• Genuine enthusiasm for sustainability and innovative, unconventional research approaches.
• Interest in industrial collaboration and real-world impact.
• Motivation to work at the interface of biology, chemistry, and engineering.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

These positions are particularly suited for individuals eager to challenge traditional boundaries, contribute to environmental sustainability, and engage with both academic and industry stakeholders.

Final date to receive applications approaching soon – links in the comments of the original Linked In post.

Please refer to the official advertisement for application details.

For further information and to find out more about the opportunity, visit the Linked In post by Dr. Stephen Wallace:

These PhD positions offer an exciting platform for ambitious researchers to make a tangible difference in sustainable manufacturing. If you are ready to embark on a doctoral journey that combines scientific innovation with real-world impact, consider applying to join The University of Edinburgh’s Carbon-Loop Sustainable Manufacturing Hub. Stay tuned for more similar opportunities and take the next step in your academic and professional career.