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Manchester Institute of Biotechnology

Biocatalysis and Protein Engineering Centre for Sustainable Synthesis – BioProcess

10-12 fully funded PhD studentships available for 2026 / 2027 entry.

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Join experts in industry and academia working to sustainably manufacture the complex and diverse molecules needed by modern society.

Industrial manufacturing is at a turning point. Many conventional production routes rely on non-renewable resources, harmful chemicals, and energy-intensive steps. Biocatalysis using engineered enzymes offers a proven solution. Led by The University of Manchester in collaboration with AstraZeneca, the Universities of Bristol and York alongside other leading industrial partners, BioProcess aims to train the next generation of scientists in the skills needed to realise full the potential of biocatalysis, protein engineering and biomanufacturing for the UK bioeconomy.

Eligibility

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

How to apply

Expression of interest

Upload your CV and letter of motivation via this form

At this stage we are inviting expressions of interest to join the BioProcess cohort.

Interested candidates should complete the "expression of interest" form.

Specific projects will be announced in January / February 2026 at which stage interested candidates will be able to select their preferred projects and get in contact with supervisory teams. By submitting an expression of interest, you will be added to our mailing list to receive an update when specific projects and supervisory teams go live.

Projects

Projects are being co-developed by industry and academic partners with a focus on multidisciplinary team-science that delivers solutions to real-world challenges in one of four focus areas:

  • Design and discovery of new enzyme chemistry
  • Laboratory automation and AI for accelerated protein engineering
  • Assembly of enzyme cascades and cell factories
  • Realising biotransformations at scale

Training

BioProcess aims to train the next generation of bio-innovators. Our interdisciplinary programmes prepare PhD students and researchers with the real-world skills to apply biocatalysis, protein engineering and sustainable manufacturing in industry.

We offer:

  • PhD projects co-developed with industry and aligned with real manufacturing challenges
  • Advanced theoretical and practical skills training provided by a mixture of industry and academic project partners covering structural biology; biophysical and analytical methods; computational modelling; directed evolution; process modelling and development; digital skills
  • Access to a network of elite partners and mentors
  • A strong track record of impact, including a free online course in industrial biotechnology with over 10,000 learners to date.

Strong foundations in biocatalysis

Formerly CoEBio3, our centre has a focus on delivering solutions with real impact in pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing with our industry partners. Our work has already enabled major industrial advances.