PhD Studentship in Computer Science: Engineering Bacteria for Biopolymer Production

Award Summary

100% Home fees covered, and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £19,237 (2024/25 UKRI rate)

Overview

This PhD project intends to leverage the power of engineering biology to contribute synthesis of innovative biomaterials. Synthetic biology offers promising avenues for engineering cells to produce high-value products with tailored functionalities. We are interested in exploring novel strategies for designing and constructing synthetic pathways in microbial systems capable of producing cellulose-based materials. The project will involve implementing automated DNA assembly and material production workflows. 

The objectives of the project include: 

• Designing and optimizing synthetic pathways to produce cellulose-based materials  
• Implementing lab automation techniques to streamline biopolymer synthesis and generate high throughput data 
• Evaluating the properties and the scalability of candidate systems using automated bioreactor systems 

The successful applicant will join The Interdisciplinary Computing and Complex BioSystems (ICOS) research group within Newcastle University’s School of Computing. Our mission is to carry out ground-breaking research at the interface of computing science and complex biological systems. The multidisciplinary nature of this project will give the opportunity for the student to acquire knowledge and skills in other relevant disciplines. 

Number Of Awards

1

Start Date

September 2024

Award Duration

3.5 years

Application Closing Date

30 June 2024

Sponsor

School of Computing

Supervisors

Dr Gizem Buldum

Eligibility Criteria

You must have or expect to gain a minimum 2:1 honours degree or international equivalent in a subject relevant engineering or science discipline to the proposed PhD project (e.g. inc. bioengineering, chemical engineering, biosciences).  

A Masters qualification in a relevant subject area will be highly advantageous. Enthusiasm for research, the ability to think and work independently are essential requirements. Ideal applicants would have biodesign skills and have experience in molecular biology methods. Familiarity to use liquid handling robots is desirable but not essential. 

Applicants whose first language is not English require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills. 

The studentship covers fees at the Home rate (UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status and meet the residency criteria). International applicants are welcome to apply but will be required to cover the difference between Home and International fees. 

International applicants may require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme ) clearance certificate prior to obtaining their visa and to study on this programme. 

How To Apply

Use Apply to Newcastle Portal  

Select ‘Create a Postgraduate Application’. 

Use ‘Course Search’ to identify your programme of study: 

• search for the ‘Course Title’ using the programme code: 8050F 
• Research Area: Computing Science 
• select ‘PhD Computer Science (full time) - Computing Science' as the programme of study 

In ‘Further Questions’ section please upload: 

• ‘Personal Statement’ - upload document or write statement directly into application form 
• ‘Research Proposal’ - when prompted for how you are providing your research proposal - select ‘Write Proposal’. You should then type in the title of the research project from this advert – you do not need to provide a proposal. 
• Studentship code COMP2166 in the ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ field 

In ‘Supporting Documentation’ please upload: 

• covering letter and CV 
• degree transcripts and certificates and, if English is not your first language, a copy of your English language qualification if already completed. 

Contact Details

Dr Gizem Buldum