Background and Focus
An Engineering Doctoral Programme has been established at Newcastle University in Biopharmaceutical Process Development with support from the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). The goal of the EngD is to train doctoral students who have an inter-disciplinary research background that will contribute to the development of techniques that more rapidly progress biopharmaceutical products through the development chain. The 4 year EngD programme provides the opportunity to study for a doctoral level degree in an industrial environment alongside gaining new/enhanced technical and professional skills. 

Funding Opportunities and Eligibility Criteria
Up to twelve fully funded industrially collaborative four year studentships (tax free stipend circa £20,000 p.a. plus fees) are available. EPSRC funded EngD studentships are available to those who satisfy their eligibility criteria (www.epsrc.ac.uk). In addition, Newcastle University are offering two fully funded studentships to those who do not meet the eligibility criteria but who can demonstrate academic excellence.

Applicants should have at least a 2.1 BSc/BEng plus an MSc awarded with Merit in an appropriate science or engineering discipline. Students holding a lower entry qualification such as applicants with Bachelors level degrees at 2.1 and above will be considered for entry if they appropriate significant industrial or equivalent experience. All applicants are considered individually on the basis of past academic performance and their potential for achievement. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed.

The Training Programme
The EngD programme is designed to provide the necessary interdisciplinary training that will build on science and engineering first degrees to realise cross disciplinary industrial research. During semester one of the programme, EngD researchers will undertake taught study to build up the essential inter-disciplinary knowledge base that is essential for tacking their research programme with further technical and professional taught modules being studied throughout the remaining 3.5 years.  The majority of the time on the programme will be spent on the industry focused research project. The primary location for the research project will be agreed with between the student, the Engineering Doctorate Director and the industrial sponsor.

Research Areas
The research projects will be based around the consideration of how both established biopharmaceutical production routes and horizon products such as stem cells can be enhanced with respect to quality, time and cost. In seeking improved development, three areas of research underpin the direction of  the EngD Centre, (i) Measurement, data and knowledge management, (ii) Systems analysis and building process representations and (iii) Enhanced development and operational strategies. These areas will form the basis of EngD projects and will focus either on individual areas or the integration of a number of the areas. The industrial collaborator will help determine the research focus and direction and ensure the novelty of the project.

Collaborating Companies
Opportunities are available to work with a range of companies including large pharmaceutical companies, contract manufacturing organisations, software companies, companies specialising in process control, monitoring and optimisation and small companies working in the area of stem cells.

Further information and application
For further information about the project please contact:

Professor Elaine Martin: e.b.martin@ncl.ac.uk:
Tel: (0)191 222 6231:

or Professor Gary Montague: gary.montague@ncl.ac.uk.
Tel: (0)191 222 7265.

Website: www.nclbiosystems.net

All candidates should contact either Professor Martin or Professor Montague prior to applying to discuss their research focus and the type of company with whom they would wish to interact.  

To apply, please complete an online application form stating you are applying for the EngD programme