IC-3-7 Rewiring Mammalian Cells Metabolism to Enable Sustainable On-Demand Biomanufacturing

This PhD project at Imperial College London focuses on rewiring mammalian cell metabolism for sustainable biomanufacturing. It aims to tackle challenges in scalability and environmental impact through synthetic biology and metabolic modeling. Candidates should have a relevant degree and experience in cell culturing and molecular cloning. The program lasts four years, starting in September 2026, with funding covering fees and stipends.
This PhD is one of a number of projects hosted by the Centre for Doctoral Training in Green Industrial Futures (CDT-GIF). We are offering pioneering research projects that will enable PhD researchers to explore key technologies and solutions that will support UK industry to reach net zero.

Project Description

Mammalian cells are central hosts for biomanufacturing applications ranging from therapeutic protein production to cultivated meat. However, the scalability and sustainability of these systems are constrained by the high costs and environmental impact of cell culturing and scale up. Genetic engineering of mammalian cells impacts their growth leading to lower biomass and product yields while reliance of these hosts on complex media formulations makes the process unsustainable. This project aims to address these challenges by integrating synthetic biology, genome engineering, metabolic modelling and process and life cycle analysis to develop new mammalian cell chassis for sustainable biomanufacturing applications.

Supervisors
• Prof. Paul Fennell / cdtgreenindustrialfutures@hw.ac.uk
• Francesca Ceroni
• Rodrigo Ledesma Amaro
• Cleo Kontoravdi

Application Criteria

As a minimum we require candidates to have a First-class or 2:1 MEng or and MSc with merit (over 60%) in a relevant area i.e. Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Geoscience etc. Candidates for socio-politico-economic research topics will also be considered with a relevant MA. Applicants who have a First-class BSc/BEng (Hons) and can demonstrate significant relevant industry/research experience may also be considered.

Candidates should be aware of and meet the entry requirements for the university hosting the PhD studentship.

The ideal candidate will have experience with bacterial and mammalian cell culturing, molecular cloning, synthetic biology and modelling.

Funding Notes

The programme is four years and starts in September 2026. Funding includes full UK fees, tax-free stipend (2025/2026 stipend is £20,780 + around £2,000 London weighting), plus budget for travel and consumables.

Enquiries

cdtgreenindustrialfutures@hw.ac.uk

Application Web Page

https://greenindustrialfutures.site.hw.ac.uk/

CDT in Green Industrial Futures

The CDT is funded by the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and is a partnership between Heriot Watt University, Imperial College London, and the Universities of Sheffield and Bath. The CDT is further supported by contributions from industrial partners. Bringing these leading universities together allows CDT-GIF students access to a wide range of academic expertise, resources and facilities.

The CDT-GIF has an exciting and challenging programme specifically designed for top performing junior researchers. Alongside the four-year research project, students will receive expert training and opportunities to contextualise their research within the wider net zero landscape, including:
• Residential taught courses at each of the partner universities in Years 1 and 2 that provide training in the systematic considerations for industry including: Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), technoeconomics, business models, policy & regulation, public engagement, plant operation.
• An international opportunity in Year 2 or 3 of the programme, including opportunities to visit a world-leading facility, conference or forum and explore the global context of industrial decarbonisation.
• A work placement with one of our industrial partners.
• A bespoke ‘net-zero leadership programme’, including regular exchanges with cohort members from the other universities, student-led activities, industry challenge sandpit, industrial site visits, and professional development opportunities.