Number of awards
1
Start date and duration
1 October 2021 for 3 years.
Overview
We are pleased to announce a PhD studentship in the Hub for Biotechnology in the Build Environment, a world-first biotechnology research centre spanning across arts, humanities and sciences. We are looking for a ‘hybrid’ interdisciplinary researcher to join Marin’s group for ‘Forming Bioelectronics and Ecology’, investigating ecosophical (environmental, social and aesthetic) solutions that look beyond technocracy for the global challenge of electrical wastes in tandem with carbon-neutral architectural visions. This position will take a leading role in the emerging field of biodesign by exploring biology in action, particularly photosynthesis, to design ecological interfaces of technology and aesthetics in biophotovoltaics and, more widely, bioelectronics.
The successful candidate will developthe photosynthetically powered biological battery technology - ‘Solar Biobattery’ - from a Proof-of-Concept stage (Sawa M, Fantuzzi A, Bombelli P, Howe CJ, Hellgardt K & Nixon PJ (2017) Electricity generation from digitally printed cyanobacteria. Nature Commun. 8, 1327) to demonstrating the feasibility of integrating thin-film paper-based systems into interior architecture. The project will investigate Solar Biobattery’s potential applications as an inexpensive biodegradable power supply for ultra-low-power devices including biosensors, partly continuing existing collaborations formed thus far on this project.
The central aim of this research is to innovate ecosophical and autopoietic systems for biophotovoltaics by considering interrelations with the dwelling environment to form an artificial ecology in which to renew, repair and sustain the biology-integrated system. The project will explore three aspects: 1) longevity and life cycle, 2) membrane and modular system 3) scalability. It is hoped that this project will blueprint a transdisciplinary approach to biodesign – design-led biotechnology.
Sponsor
Newcastle University - NUAcT, HBBE
Name of supervisor(s)
Dr Marin Sawa, HBBE, School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape
Eligibility Criteria
The studentship is open to Home and International (inc. EU) applicants who propose to study for their PhD on a full-time basis.
Applicants must have:
- at least a 2.1 degree in Chemistry, Bioengineering, Architecture or subjects related to biotechnology applications in the built environment
- experience in algae cultivation and/or microbial biomaterials
- Masters research qualification in Biodesign, Architecture, Materials Science, Biotechnology or a related field
- IELTS 6.5 overall (with 6.5 in writing and a minimum of 6.0 in all other sub-skills) if English is not your first language
- a curious mind that transcends disciplinary boundaries.
Newcastle is committed to promoting diversity, and we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups.
How to apply
You must send the following to Marian Kyte by email to [Email Address Removed]. Please quote reference code APL031 in the email heading.
- A covering letter and CV. The covering letter must state the title of the studentship, quote the studentship reference code and state how your interests and experience relate to the project
- A one page statement: “My approach to the Solar Biobattery project would be”
- visual materials: either 2-page portfolio or 2 poster presentations
- attach degree transcripts and certificates and, if English is not your first language, a copy of your English language qualifications
You should also apply through the University’s online postgraduate application system.
To do this please ‘Create a new account’. All relevant fields should be completed, but fields marked with a red asterisk must be completed. You will need to:
- insert the programme code 8160F in the programme of study section
- select ‘PhD School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape (full time) - Architecture’
- insert the studentship code APL031 in the studentship/partnership reference field.
Continue with Facebook
