Algae Feedstock for Food Security

There is an urgent need to find innovative and sustainable solutions to meet the demands of feeding the growing global population. Pathways to meet our food security demands have also got to be environmentally sustainable. Microalgae are photosynthetic organisms that can be employed to develop processes that can enable accumulation of micro- and macro-nutrients , such as iron, vitamins, protein, PUFAs, and generate nutrient enriched biomass for use as feed ingredients and as human food supplements and food ingredients. Microalgal biomass can be grown sustainably to accumulate desired nutrients for use in agriculture, aquaculture, livestock management and in turn contribute to sustainably meeting food security demands. In addition, microalgal biomass can also be developed for the production of bio-fertilisers and bio-pesticides. The challenge here is in developing processes that are sustainable and economically viable.

The aim of this project is to study and examine biochemical and engineering strategies that include cultivation of microbes in consortia to develop processes that will be environmentally sustainable for use in agriculture/aquaculture/livestock management, feed and food formulation. An understanding of microbial metabolism, biochemistry and feedstock utilisation will form the basis of developing strategies that are viable.

Please see this link for information on how to apply: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/cbe/postgraduate/phd/how-apply. Please include the name of your proposed supervisor and the title of the PhD project within your application.

Applicants must have achieved or expect to achieve a 1st class or 2:1 honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline in Chemistry, Chemical/Biochemical/Environmental Engineering or Bioscience/Microbiology/Molecular biology. A strong undergraduate background in bioscience/food science and technology/agriculture or chemical/biochemical engineering/food engineering, with an interest in food/feed science and engineering, microalgae physiology, biochemistry and/or environmental engineering/sustainability is desired. If English is not your first language then you must have an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) average of 6.5 or above with at least 6.0 in each component, or equivalent. Please see this link for further information: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/phd/apply/english-language.