EPSRC CDT in Bioprocess Engineering Leadership: Complex Biological Products Manufacture

The Course

Students admitted to the CDT will complete a four-year EngD in collaboration with a company partner.

EngD programs provide engineers and scientists with full research training at the life sciences interface that is relevant to bioprocessing and related technologies. Each equips students with the requisite knowledge and terminology in current life science subjects to allow them to explore topics in their own research project under direction from their supervisory team.

Students come from a wide range of disciplines including Life Sciences, Engineering, and Physical Sciences , with interests in bioprocess research at the interfaces of biochemistry, chemical and biochemical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemistry, physics, and computational sciences. Research topics span bioprocess design, mammalian cell culture, cell and gene therapy, stem cell processing, protein engineering, bioanalytics, formulation, process automation, microfluidics, process and cost modelling, biocatalysis and synthetic biology. The doctoral research is complemented by taught courses and case studies designed to familiarise the student with bioprocessing topics, the life sciences interface and also the business and regulatory environment.

Students in our internationally renowned Department make use of the recent £30m of investment in comprehensive and unique facilities including a fully equipped pilot-plant, a micro-engineering facility with robotics systems and advanced regenerative medicine labs. All of these are underpinned by state of the art analytical equipment.

Project Selection

Projects are initially developed between academic staff and the collaborating company. Once agreed we will approach suitably qualified applicants for interview. Discussion at interview between student, the academic and company supervisors is crucial to the selection of the correct project for a candidate and establishing a world-class research and training experience. This is facilitated by our Centre for Doctoral Training Manager.

How do I apply?

To apply for the EngD in Biochemical Engineering and Bioprocess Leadership, please complete your application on UCL’s Application portal. Apart from the basic requirements candidates must provide their up-to-date CV and a short cover letter with their broad area of research interest (Industrial Biotechnology / Biopharmaceuticals / Cell and Gene Therapies). Candidates applying for funded positions should choose the ‘studentship/scholarship’ option in the funding section of the application and write ‘EPSRC CDT’ in the text box.

Projects are confirmed throughout the year (the majority of them in Spring/Summer) and we will contact shortlisted candidates afterwards.