Biocatalysis and Protein Engineering Centre for Sustainable Synthesis (BioProcess)
Join leading experts from industry and academia working to sustainably manufacture the complex and diverse molecules needed by modern society. Fully funded PhD studentships through the Industrial Doctoral Landscape Award (IDLA) programme available for 2026/27 entry.
Industrial manufacturing is at a turning point. Many conventional production routes rely on non-renewable resources, harmful chemicals and energy-intensive processes. Biocatalysis using engineered enzymes offers a proven solution.
Led by The University of Manchester, in collaboration with AstraZeneca, the Universities of Bristol and York, and leading industrial partners, the Biocatalysis and Protein Engineering Centre for Sustainable Synthesis (BioProcess IDLA) will train the next generation of scientists in the skills needed to realise the full 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.
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.
Ensure you meet the entry requirements for this programme.
More about eligibility and entry requirements.
Browse all of our BioProcess projects below 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.
To apply, you must complete our application form.
Applicants who progress to the next stage of the 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.
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.
Once we receive your application, it is first reviewed to check that you meet the academic entry requirements.
For all 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.
Projects
Projects have been 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
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; and 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.
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Commercialised over 1,000 enzymes
Covering 20+ reaction types, significantly expanding biocatalytic options for manufacturing.
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Pioneered metal-free processes
Reducing reliance on costly and hazardous precious metal catalysts.
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Delivered high-performing biocatalysts
Engineered industry-ready enzymes suitable for large scale pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Get in touch
If you have a question or are interested in finding out more about the BioProcess IDLA, get in touch.
Partners
