PhD Studentship - Microbial Engineering of Novel Catalysts for Hydrogen Production

PhD Studentship - Microbial Engineering of Novel Catalysts for Hydrogen Production

The University of Manchester
Manchester, United Kingdom

This fully funded PhD studentship places you at the forefront of sustainable energy research, exploring innovative biotechnological approaches to hydrogen production. The project leverages metal reducing microorganisms as a biosynthesis platform to develop chromium free catalytic materials with the potential to redefine how hydrogen is produced for clean energy applications. Under the supervision of experts in chemical and environmental sciences, you'll investigate how tailored microbial pathways and controlled dopant incorporation influence catalyst structure, activity, and stability under industrially relevant conditions. You will gain interdisciplinary training in microbial cultivation, advanced materials characterisation (including electron microscopy and spectroscopic tools), and catalytic testing under Water Gas Shift reaction settings. The research is designed to deliver critical insights into sustainable catalyst design and will integrate you into active research networks across departments.

Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should hold, or be expected to obtain, at least an upper second class undergraduate degree (or international equivalent) in Environmental Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, Materials Science, Geosciences or a closely related discipline. A relevant Master's degree is desirable but not essential.

Required Expertise, Skills
The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong academic foundations in scientific disciplines relevant to catalysis and biological systems, with an eagerness to engage with interdisciplinary methods. Competence or interest in microbiology, materials synthesis, and analytical techniques is highly beneficial.

Salary Details
This 3.5 year studentship includes a University of Manchester stipend at the UKRI rate (approximately £20,780 for 2025/26, with expected annual increments) together with full payment of tuition fees for eligible home students.

Application Deadline
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year, with the project potentially closing once a suitable candidate is appointed.