The International Centre for Brewing and Distilling (ICBD) at Heriot-Watt University in association with Diageo plc are offering a PhD project, expected to commence on 1st October 2023 or soon thereafter. The ICBD was established in 1988 as a site of education and research for brewing and distilling with a heritage in the teaching of brewing science going back to 1903. The ICBD is located in the Heriot-Watt Edinburgh Campus at Riccarton. Diageo plc is a British multinational alcoholic beverage company with an outstanding collection of over 200 brands across spirits and beer and sales in more than 180 countries.
The project will be supervised by Heriot-Watt University (Supervisors: Dr Shiwen Zhuang, Dr David Jenkins and Prof Dawn Maskell) and Diageo (Industrial supervisor: Prof Katherine Smart). The student will become part of the ICBD and the Institute for Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering which has excellent support structures for PhD students.
High Gravity (HG) or Very High Gravity (VHG) fermentation is a technique of fermenting with a highly-concentrated sugar solution to produce a liquor containing a higher content of alcohol than “normal” gravity. In the era of sustainable development, this method is increasingly attractive in brewing and distilling industries as an effective strategy to increase in-house capacity without significant capital investment and to reduce environmental impact with overall energy cost savings. Despite this, the impact of HG and VHG fermentation on the characteristics of distilled spirits and co-products is not well understood. The objectives of this project are to explore the utilisation of HG and VHG fermentation in making a variety of distilled spirits such as whisky, rum and tequila, and to carry out a techno-economic assessment in order to gauge the benefits and potential uses of the technology. It is anticipated that the project would provide useful data for the distillers globally to assess the feasibility of deploying the technique in production, in particular, it’s important for those seeking to maximise yield and value from existing resources through high gravity fermentations.
This project is multidisciplinary and industrially focused. Working closely with Diageo the project represents an ideal opportunity for an enthusiastic student to work in the distilling industry. The student will work with biologists and industrial scientists to develop a skill base in industrial biotechnology, analytical techniques, microbiology, sensory evaluation, and big data processing.
Candidate requirements
This project would suit candidates with a background in brewing/distilling, chemical engineering, industrial biotechnology or those with a background in food science/microbiology who are keen to move to a more process-focussed area. A high level of numeracy, as well as strong laboratory skills, will be beneficial for this work. The ideal candidate will have a 1st or strong 2:1 Honours degree or a Masters in a biological science, chemical or biochemical engineering (or similar scientific discipline). Relevant industrial experience is also beneficial. Informal enquiries can be made by interested candidates to Dr Shiwen Zhuang ([Email Address Removed]).
How to Apply
Please use the Heriot-Watt on-line system to submit your CV, Academic Transcript and a cover letter outlining your suitability for this project. When completing your application please ensure you also provide the following information:
a) in ‘Study Option’: You will need to select ‘Edinburgh’ and ‘Postgraduate Research’. ‘Programme’ presents you with a drop-down menu - Choose ‘Bioengineering PhD’ and select ‘October 2023’ for the study option (this can be updated at a later date if required)
b) in ‘Research Project Information’: You will be provided with a free text box for details of your research project. Enter Title and Reference number of the project for which you are applying and also enter the supervisor’s name.
This information will greatly assist us in tracking your application. Interviews are expected to take place 2 – 3 weeks after the closing date for applications.
Start date
1st October 2023 or soon thereafter.
Funding
Full funding is provided for a 3.5 year PhD studentship, and open to both UK and international applicants. Funding includes a monthly tax-free stipend for accommodation and living costs (£18,622 pa for 23/24), tuition fees, research and training costs. Stipend increase every year, typically with inflation, based on UKRI rates. Potential benefits also include sponsorship for an industrial placement and IBD exams.
Application closing date
16 June 2023
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