Join a dynamic collaboration between the University of Sheffield and Syngenta to develop the next generation of sustainable biostimulants.
The world’s population is expected to grow to 9.7 billion by 2050, requiring an acceleration in innovation and investment to advance more sustainable agriculture which is good for nature, farmers, and society. Soil microbes, found in healthy agricultural land, can be applied to degraded topsoil as a fertiliser that restores the soil structure, promotes the growth of healthy crops and enhances the ability of the soil to sequester carbon. Developments in microbiology have enabled scientists to engineer microbes for particular types of crops and soil. Transporting and applying living microbes remains a logistical challenge, so alternative delivery media have been proposed. This project aims to develop a novel crop product that comprises beneficial microbes protected in small gel beads that can flow like sand whilst forming a protective ‘space ship’ for their precious living cargo. Designing and manufacturing these living fertilisers requires a breadth of new technologies drawing from microbiology, plant biology, polymer science and chemical engineering.
The ideal candidate will enjoy independent problem-solving and working in a team environment. You should be willing to learn skills in wet chemistry, microbiology, developing equipment and performing technoeconomic evaluations. You will be exposed to a range of research techniques, like scanning electron microscopy, small-angle scattering, UV-visible light spectroscopy and particle sizing, along with methods for reactor scale up, handling microbes and plant testing.
The PhD will be based in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of Sheffield. You will join a vibrant research faculty, ranked #8 by the REF for overall research quality. With over fifty PhD students and 130 members of staff, the department is a hub for sustainability research. You will have access to cutting-edge laboratories, and a tailored plan for your professional development, supported by classes and workshops. There are over 350 social clubs and sport groups at the University, including one for PhD students in the department. Outside of work, you will benefit from a wealth of outdoor activities in the adjacent Peak District and the diverse shops and culture within the UK’s greenest city.
Syngenta is one of the world’s leading agriculture companies, with more than 30,000 employees, in more than 90 countries. Through world-class science, global reach and commitment to our customers we help to increase crop productivity, protect the environment and improve health and quality of life. Crop protection products and seeds are core components of the Syngenta business, with significant product portfolios covering the major agricultural sectors. During your PhD, you will work with experts from the Product Technology and Engineering Department and visit the Jealott’s Hill International Research Centre for one or more short placements.
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.
The successful candidate will have a first-class or 2:1 MEng degree in biology, chemical engineering, materials science, or a similar STEM degree. Candidates with equivalent qualifications or industry experience are welcome to apply. Please contact us to discuss particular accommodations that would enable you to pursue this degree, including flexible working patterns. We invite potential applicants from non-traditional STEM backgrounds to contact us to discuss their eligibility.
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