Biosciences : Fully Funded EPSRC DTP PhD in the ALGALNETS Unravelling the assembly of microbial interactive communities in algal bioreactor (RS750)

Funding provider: EPSRC DTP 25/26 Fully Funded Studentship

Subject area: Algae biotechnology/computational biology/microbial community networks/ecological theory/evolutionary mechanisms/biomass productivity optimisation/high-value products

Project start date: 01 October 2025

Supervisors: Dr Steve Slocombe and Dr Miguel Lurgi

Aligned programme of study: PhD in Bioscience

Mode of study: Full-time

Project description

This is an exciting opportunity to explore the role of complex ecological communities in promoting resilience and maximising yields in large-scale algal bioreactors exposed to different environmental conditions. The specific aim is to optimise the large-scale production of a high-value carotenoid compound that is naturally released in nanoparticle form by a marine alga.

The questions we address are how does the microbial community change during cultivation across the seasons, what is the impact of the microbial community on culture resilience or productivity, and can this process be modelled? The project will integrate environmental inputs, algae physiological parameters and microbial community eDNA data to develop predictive models which can be utilised to develop an optimal cultivation strategy.

The project is cross-disciplinary in nature, building skills in molecular biology, bioinformatics, ecological modelling, algal physiology and cultivation. We are looking for a highly self-motivated individual able to progress both the computational and laboratory aspects of the project to maximum effect.

Candidates must hold a UK Bachelor's degree with a minimum of Upper Second Class honours in Biosciences or a related subject. Or overseas Bachelor's degree deemed equivalent to UK Bachelor (by UK ECCTIS) and achieved a grade equivalent to UK Upper Second Class honours in Biosciences or a related subject

Or a master’s degree with a minimum overall grade at ‘Merit’ (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) – see country-specific qualifications

IELTS 6.5 overall (with at least 6.0 in each individual component) or Swansea recognised equivalent. Details on the Swansea University English Language entry policy can be found here.

ATAS 

Please note that the programme requires some applicants to hold ATAS clearance, further details on ATAS scheme eligibility are available on the UK Government website.

ATAS clearance IS NOT required to be held as part of the scholarship application process, successful award winners (as appropriate) are provided with details as to how to apply for ATAS clearance in tandem with the scholarship course offer.

This scholarship covers the full cost of UK tuition fees and an annual stipend of £19,237.

Additional research expenses of up to £1,000 per year will also be available.

Scholarship open to UK and international fee-eligible applicants. 

EPSRC DTP studentships are available to home and international students. Up to 30% of our cohort can comprise international students, once the limit has been reached, we are unable to make offers to international students.    

We are still accepting applications from international applicants.  

International students will not be charged the fee difference between the UK and international rates. Applicants should satisfy the UKRI eligibility requirements. 

To apply, please complete your application online with the following information:

1. Course choice – please select:

Biological Sciences / PhD / Full-time / 3 Years / October

In the event you have already applied for the above programme previously, the application system may issue a warning notice and prevent application, in this event, please email pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk where staff will be happy to assist you in submitting your application.

2. Start year – please select 2025. 

3. Funding (page 8 on the application process) – · ‘Are you funding your studies yourself?’ – please select No. 

‘Name of Individual or organisation providing funds for study’ – please enter ‘RS750 - Algal Bioreactors’

*It is the responsibility of the applicant to list the above information accurately when applying, please note that applications received without the above information listed will not be considered for the scholarship award.
One application is required per individual Swansea University-led research scholarship award; applications cannot be considered listing multiple Swansea University-led research scholarship awards.

NOTE: Applicants for PhD/EngD/ProfD/EdD - to support our commitment to providing an environment free of discrimination and celebrating diversity at Swansea University you are required to complete an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Monitoring Form in addition to your programme application form.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Monitoring Form (online form)

Please note that completion of the EDI Monitoring Form is mandatory; your application may not progress if this information is not submitted.

· CV
· Degree certificates and transcripts
· A cover letter
· One reference
· Evidence of meeting English Language requirements (if applicable)
· Copy of UK resident visa (if applicable)
· Confirmation of submission of EDI Form

*For ALL scholarship applications from February 2023 an EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) Monitoring Form is required.

Informal enquiries are welcome; please contact Steve Slocombe s.p.slocombe@swansea.ac.uk 

*External Partner Application Data Sharing – Please note that as part of the scholarship application selection process, application data sharing may occur with external partners outside of the University, when joint/co-funding of a scholarship project is applicable