PhD Studentship: From Waste to Resource: Optimising Enzymatic Conversion of Invasive Plant Waste for Biofuel in South Africa

Project description

Finding alternatives to fossil fuels is an imperative for modern society. There is growing interest in using waste streams, such as from invasive plant removal, as a feedstock; however, the conversion routes and the useful chemicals that could be produced are poorly understood and not optimised. South Africa is constantly battling the spread of invasive species, and the waste generated could be used to produce biofuel and other useful chemicals if the technical and economic challenges associated with its conversion are overcome. 

This PhD project aims to investigate and optimise contemporary enzymatic routes for the conversion of lignocellulosic waste feedstocks from local invasive species in South Africa into useful chemicals. 

Building upon previous studies, the successful candidate will conduct laboratory-based experiments to assess the feedstock composition, design and perform enzymatic degradation assays (including various pre-treatment methods, enzymatic cocktails, and reaction conditions) and optimise the yield of useful chemicals, including glucose (a precursor for commercial biofuel). Based in the School of Chemistry at the University of Nottingham, this project will provide extensive training in enzymatic polysaccharide degradation and a variety of analytical techniques (e.g. MS, chromatography). 

In addition, the successful candidate will also have an opportunity to gain experience of business/social science research with appropriate training and support. They will review the literature and analyse various business models, particularly those developed in the biorefinery industry in Brazil. This will help assess the economic viability and develop of a potential business model for commercialising the enzymatic conversion process. The model will focus on local distribution and benefits for the local communities in South Africa.

Applications are invited from students with a background in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering or a related discipline, who have a strong interest in sustainable chemistry and a desire to learn more about business. The starting date for the project will be October 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact Dr Luisa Ciano (luisa.ciano@nottingham.ac.uk) and/or Prof Trevor Farren (trevor.farren@nottingham.ac.uk) for more details or enquiries about the project. 

Formal applications should include CV, cover letter and academic transcripts, and should be sent via email to Dr Luisa Ciano and submitted online through the University of Nottingham’s online application system via the above ‘Apply’ button, indicating “Chemistry” for the School and “Dr Luisa Ciano” as the supervisor. 

Funding notes and industry engagement

Fully funded studentship to commence in October 2025. UK students only – tuition fees paid and full stipend, tax-free, for 42 months at the RCUK rate (currently £19,237 per annum). International students will be considered only if they hold a scholarship to cover the international fees.

The project is sponsored by a company that supports sustainable development in South Africa and will be actively engaged in the project.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have, or expected to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree in Chemistry or a related subject. A MChem/MSc-4-year integrated Master’s, a BSc + MSc or a BSc with substantial research experience will be highly advantageous. Experience in one or more of the following will also be beneficial (but not essential): sustainable chemistry, biocatalysis or chemical engineering.

If English is not the candidate’s first language, they must provide evidence before the beginning of the studentship that they meet the University minimum English Language requirements (IELTS 6.0 with at least 5.5 in each element).

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