Area
Engineering
Location
UK Other
Closing Date
Friday 27 February 2026
Reference
ENG325
Vision
We are seeking a PhD student that is motivated to explore innovative, sustainable approaches to biomass processing and help redefine how high‑value products are recovered from UK seaweeds and other bioresources. You will join a vibrant, interdisciplinary research team working at the interface of mechanical engineering, chemistry, and biotechnology, using cutting‑edge mechanochemical extraction methods to address real‑world challenges in the emerging UK seaweed and bioeconomy sectors.
Together we will make technological advances that demonstrate how low‑energy, low‑solvent extraction can unlock valuable compounds, from healthcare molecules to biofuel precursors, while reducing environmental impacts and simplifying industrial processing. Through close collaboration with industry partners and leading researchers, this PhD will contribute to developing scalable bioprocessing solutions that support a more circular, climate‑positive future for biomass utilisation.
Motivation
The global shift toward a sustainable and circular bioeconomy demands innovative technologies capable of unlocking the full value of renewable resources. Seaweed has been identified as a critical biomass for the UK’s future bioenergy, chemicals, and carbon‑capture strategies, yet current processing methods remain energy‑intensive, inefficient, and reliant on solvents. This PhD project is motivated by the opportunity to transform this landscape by pioneering mechanochemical extraction, a low‑energy, solvent‑minimising approach that can liberate valuable compounds directly from wet biomass. By addressing one of the biggest bottlenecks in seaweed processing, the need for drying, this research has the potential to significantly reduce environmental impact, improve economic viability, and open new pathways for high‑value product development. The project is driven by the ambition to develop scalable, sustainable processing routes that not only advance scientific understanding but also deliver real‑world benefits to emerging seaweed industries and the wider bioresource sector.
Aim
You will have the opportunity to develop and apply innovative mechanochemical extraction techniques to unlock high‑value products from seaweeds and other biomass while contributing to the advancement of sustainable bioprocessing technologies.
You will work with interdisciplinary academics, leading UK seaweed researchers, and industry partners to generate real‑world impact and help shape future low‑energy, low‑solvent biomass processing methods.
Who We Are Looking For
We are looking for a curious, innovative, and self‑motivated researcher with strong analytical skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary, industry‑focused environment.
The ideal candidate will have knowledge of biomass chemistry, mechanical and chemical processes, and analytical techniques for feedstock and high‑value products characterization.
1st or a 2:1 in a Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Chemistry, Physics.
Please contact Dr Orla Williams orla.williams@nottingham.ac.uk for more information.
Funding support
After a suitable candidate is found, funding is then sought from the University of Nottingham as part of a competitive process (this will cover home tuition fees and UKRI stipend).
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The Faculty of Engineering provides a thriving working environment for all PGRs creating a strong sense of community across research disciplines. Community and research culture is important to our PGRs and the FoE support this by working closely with our Postgraduate Research Society (PGES) and our PGR Research Group Reps to enhance the research environment for PGRs. PGRs benefit from training through the Researcher Academy’s Training Programme, those based within the Faculty of Engineering have access to bespoke courses developed for Engineering PGRs, including sessions on paper writing, networking and career development after the PhD. The Faculty has outstanding facilities and works in partnership with leading industrial partners.
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