Summary
The PhD project focuses on developing the next generation of engineered enzymes for the depolymerisation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a significant plastic waste source. This project combines cutting-edge biotechnology with industrial applications and aims to contribute to a sustainable circular plastics economy.
PhD Studentship in Computer Science: Innovate Enzyme Solutions for Sustainable Plastic Recycling, Newcastle University, UK
Designation
PhD Studentship in Computer Science: Robotic AI-driven Prototype Pipeline for Depolymerisation of Polyethylene Terephthalate (RAPID-PET)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Number of Awards | 1 |
| Start Date | September 2026 |
| Award Duration | 4 years |
| Stipend | £31,805 per year |
| Fees Covered | 100% home fees |
| Application Closing Date | 20 July 2026 |
Research Area
- Engineering biology
- Enzyme engineering
- Sustainability
- Artificial intelligence
- Bioinformatics
Location
Newcastle University, United Kingdom, with international collaborations including a research placement in Argentina.
Eligibility/Qualification
- MSc degree or equivalent in a relevant subject (e.g., Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Synthetic Biology, Engineering Biology).
- Enthusiasm for research and ability to work independently.
- Excellent analytical, verbal, and written communication skills.
- For non-native English speakers, an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills is required.
Job Description
The PhD candidate will focus on discovering, characterising, and improving PET-degrading enzymes. This includes designing and testing enzyme variants, developing biochemical and analytical assays, and investigating how enzyme combinations can maximize plastic depolymerisation efficiency. The student will be part of a multidisciplinary team dedicated to tackling significant environmental challenges through engineering biology.
How to Apply
- Register on the Newcastle University application portal.
- Create a Postgraduate Application and search for the programme of study using the programme code: 8050F.
- Select “PhD Computer Science (Full Time)” as the programme of study.
- In the “Further Questions” section, provide:
- A personal statement (mandatory).
- Use code COMP2181 in the ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’.
- For the research proposal, select ‘Write Proposal’ and enter the project title from the advertisement along with your own statement.
Last Date to Apply
20 July 2026
