PhD Studentship: Chemoenzymatic Total Synthesis of MDA Based Materials

Award summary

100% fees covered, and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £19,237 (2024/25 UKRI rate). Additional project costs will also be provided.

Overview

During this PhD project you will develop and optimise a novel bio-based chemoenzymatic route for the synthesis of MDA (4,4’-methylene dianiline). This molecule is a vital chemical precursor widely utilised in industry for producing polyurethanes, coatings, dyes, and adhesives. The production of MDA currently depends on fossil-based chemicals, leading to volatility in both its price and availability. Furthermore, MDA synthesis generates substantial amounts of environmentally harmful waste products. Given the issues of cost, safety, sustainability, and environmental impact, coupled with the rising industrial demand for MDA, there is now an urgent need to develop alternative methods for the production of this important compound.

This project builds on innovative methods established by the supervisory team and will be conducted in partnership with Victrex Manufacturing Ltd, who will contribute expertise and resources. This studentship will offer training in chemical synthesis, enzymology, engineering biology, and microbiology.

Number of awards: 1

Start date: 1^st October 2025

Award duration: 4 years

Sponsor: EPSRC

Supervisors: Prof Paul Race, Dr Jon Sellars, and Dr John Grasmeder

Eligibility criteria

A minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in Chemistry or Biochemistry. We place value on prior experience, enthusiasm for research, and the ability to think and work independently. Excellent analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are essential. A Masters qualification is not required if you have a 2:1 degree or can evidence alternative experience. If you have alternative qualifications/experience, please contact us to discuss.

For EPSRC DLA applications we are following the EDEPI competency-based framework. Please read and complete this document as your Personal statement, and upload this with your application. Applications which do not include this document will not be considered. Further details can be found here.

Home and international applicants (inc. EU) are welcome to apply and if successful will receive a full studentship. 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.

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

You must apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal

Once registered select ‘Create a Postgraduate Application’.

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

• Search for the ‘Course Title’ using the programme code: 8020F
• Research Area: Biological Science
• Select ‘PhD Biology (full time) as the programme of study

You will then need to provide the following information in the ‘Further Details’ section:

• A ‘Personal Statement’ (this is a mandatory field) – Use this template.
• The studentship code DLA2521 in the ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ field.
• 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 upload a research proposal.

You must submit one application per studentship, you cannot apply for multiple studentships on one application.

Contact details

paul.race1@newcastle.ac.uk and/or Jon.Sellars@newcastle.ac.uk. You can also contact: doctoral.awards@ncl.ac.uk for independent advice on your application.

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