Sensor engineering research for monitoring of continuous bioprocessing

Advanced biosensors research for high-value bioprocessing and pharmaceutical production - Industrially sponsored PhD

(This PhD scholarship is only open to candidates who hold UK citizenship, or equivalent) 

The University of Manchester is offering a fully funded PhD scholarship, open to UK and EU students, which spans the boundaries of electronics, materials and life sciences research. This EPSRC-funded studentship further benefits from sponsorship by Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies (FDB), a major international biopharmaceutical manufacturing company. The successful candidate will interact with fellow researchers in a multidisciplinary environment at both the University of Manchester and FDB to develop next generation sensors using photoelectronics. The project aim is to conceptualise, research, design and deliver real-time, in-line, biosensor technology for monitoring manufacturing processes. The final developed technology is expected to be implemented into batch and continuous biological medicines production processes, with the ultimate goal of benefiting patients. Alongside the academic research team the chosen candidate will, as part of their PhD, undertake research with the industrial supervisor at FDB’s research facilities in the NE of England. At the end of the PhD it is anticipated that the graduate researcher will be extremely well positioned with the necessary life-skills and R&D experience to pursue a subsequent career in either industry or academia, supported by both a track record in publications and intellectual property development.

Minimum qualification requirement is a First or Upper Second class degree from a UK University, in electronic, process or a related engineering or physical sciences discipline, or an equivalent degree from a non-UK university.

The successful applicant is expected to commence in October 2022

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact. We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).

All appointments are made on merit.