The University of Bath is advertising a competitive PhD on genome-scale metabolic modelling for sustainable cellular agriculture. UK and international applicants may compete for funding. The deadline is 29 November 2026. The expected start is 4 October 2027. Applicants should consider the research fit and financial conditions together before deciding whether to apply.
Research Focus
The project develops microbial metabolic models for precision fermentation using waste nutrients. Bench-scale fermentation generates information to contextualise the models. The work examines feedstock formulations and validation of predicted growth. Read the project description as a starting point for identifying a question that interests you, rather than assuming that every possible method will appear in the eventual thesis.
Location and Academic Team
The university base is Bath, United Kingdom. The research concerns circular food-production processes. Chemical Engineering hosts the opportunity. It belongs to the faculty’s studentship competition. Dr Akin Odeleye is the named supervisor. The project connects computational models with fermentation experiments.
Who Can Apply
Applicants need a first or 2:1 honours degree or international equivalent, with a master’s advantageous, in relevant engineering, biotechnology, computer science or a closely related discipline. Modelling, programming, fermentation and culture-media interests are valued; the announcement also describes consideration of significant relevant experience. Non-UK applicants not currently studying in the UK must meet the English requirement before the deadline. Check the current programme requirements for the precise qualifications and supporting documents needed. A relevant subject or an eligible nationality does not by itself guarantee admission or an award.
Funding and International Conditions
Competitive funding covers tuition, £1,000 annual training support and a stipend listed at £21,805 for 2026/27. Overseas awards are capped, and visa and Immigration Health Surcharge expenses must be met personally. The stated stipend does not confirm the 2027/28 rate. Review the written award terms before making financial commitments.
Exploring the Research Problem
For optional preparation, imagine a computational prediction that appears promising but depends on an uncertain assumption about the information supplied to the model. Ask what experiment or comparison would be most useful before acting on that prediction. Explain whether agreement with one outcome would establish that every internal part of the model is correct. This is a hypothetical research-thinking exercise, not an advertised laboratory protocol, an admissions test or a promise about the microbial strains available in the project.
You could extend the example by considering a practical observation that does not match the prediction. Write down several possible explanations before deciding that either the model or the measurement must simply be wrong. Identify the evidence that would help distinguish those explanations and what uncertainty would remain afterwards. A bounded account of this reasoning can show interest in the interaction between experiments and computation without claiming that you already possess expertise in every method named in the announcement.
Presenting Evidence of Preparation
If you have completed a computational or laboratory project, explain the question, your individual contribution, the information used and the checks performed to assess the result. Distinguish modifying an existing model from developing one independently, and distinguish analysing experimental data from producing it yourself. If your background is primarily in computer science, identify the biological knowledge you would need to develop alongside your existing technical strengths. If it is mainly experimental, explain the quantitative work you actually performed and a realistic computational learning goal.
If supporting materials are requested, make your individual contribution clear when discussing work completed with other people. Distinguish a class exercise, an unpublished report and a peer-reviewed research output instead of presenting them as equivalent achievements. Explain what your evidence can establish and what remained unresolved, including any limitation that would matter to the conclusion. Adapt these preparation suggestions to the actual application questions, since optional advice does not add requirements to the programme’s document checklist or guarantee a particular assessment outcome.
How to Apply
Use the current programme instructions to establish the submission route and complete supporting-document checklist. Review the exact project title and academic contacts wherever the form asks you to identify your research preference. An informal academic conversation can clarify fit, but it does not replace a formal application or constitute an admission or funding offer.
- View scholarship details and follow the linked institutional application instructions.
- Select the Chemical Engineering PhD and University of Bath URSA funding.
- Identify the exact project and supervisor, observing the maximum of two project choices, and submit by 29 November 2026.
Before Submitting
Information was checked on 23 October 2026. Reconfirm the deadline and current terms before submission, particularly where your ability to enrol depends on receiving an international award. Keep a copy of the final form and any written clarification that materially affects your eligibility, financial expectations or decision to accept an offer.