Mobile menu icon
Skip to navigation | Skip to main content | Skip to footer
Mobile menu icon Search iconSearch
Search type

Manchester Institute of Biotechnology

Biocatalysis and Protein Engineering Centre for Sustainable Synthesis – BioProcess

Fully funded PhD studentships available for 2026 / 2027 entry.

NULL

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.

Projects

Projects have been 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.

Explore available projects

 

How to apply

Want to be considered for a Biocatalysis and Protein Engineering (BioProcess) PhD programme studentship?

Find out what you need to do before you apply and how to apply with our step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Check you're eligible

Ensure you meet the entry requirements for this programme.

>> More about eligibility and entry requirements

Step 2: Find a project

Browse all of our BioProcess projects above, and discover one you're passionate about which matches your interests, ambitions and goals.

Interested in more than one project? You can include up to three projects in your application interest.

Step 3: Fill out our application enquiry form

To apply, you must complete our application form.

Applicants who progress to the next stage of application process will be asked to submit a formal application through the host university's application portal. This is primarily an administrative step, as the information required will closely mirror what you've already provided in the BioProcess application enquiry form.

>> Submit application enquiry

Step 4: Prepare your supporting documents

If encouraged to apply, you'll need to provide supporting documents including:

  • Supporting statement.
  • Reference details: Your referees will be sent an automatic reference request once you submit your application. Please ask them to respond as soon as possible, as you cannot be nominated without these references.
  • Degree certificates and final/interim transcripts: If you are currently enrolled on a Master’s programme and do not yet have an interim transcript, please provide alternative proof of enrolment (for example, an offer letter).
  • Official English language certificates (if applicable): Applicants are not required to meet the English language requirements at the point of application. However, if successful, any offer made will be conditional upon the completion of an approved English language test (such as IELTS) and achievement of the required standard.
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV).

A research statement is not required for this programme.

All supporting documents must be uploaded as part of your online application. Applications submitted without the required documentation will be considered incomplete and will not be processed.

Step 5: What happens next?

Once we receive your application, it is first reviewed to check that you meet the academic entry requirements.

For Bristol and York projects: if you meet the requirements, you will be asked to submit a local application to the host university. You will receive instructions by email about applying to this institution.

For Manchester projects: the local university application is requested after shortlisting. Eligible candidates will receive guidance and instructions by email at that stage.

After the application deadline has passed, all submissions will be reviewed by an academic panel.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview online, and final outcomes will be communicated after all interviews have taken place.

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.