Skip to main content
What types of page to search?

Popular pages: Undergraduate Postgraduate PhD Accommodation Research International students

Alternatively use our A-Z index.

(BBSRC NWD CASE) Unlocking the photosynthetic potential of Spirulina through synthetic engineering for sustainable carbon and nitrogen fixation

Funding
Funded
Study mode
Full-time
Apply by
Start date
Subject area
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
How to apply
Change country or region

We’re currently showing entry requirements and other information for applicants with qualifications from United Kingdom.

Please select from our list of commonly chosen countries below or choose your own.

If your country or region isn’t listed here, please contact us with any questions about studying with us.

Overview

Are you passionate about addressing global challenges in food security, sustainable production and pharmaceutical development through cutting-edge Engineering Biology and Biotechnology? Join our highly multidisciplinary research team for a transformative 4-year fully-funded PhD project that combines molecular biology, biochemistry, engineering biology, synthetic biology, and industrial biotechnology, in collaboration with Smart Cyano Biotech Development Co., Ltd.

About this opportunity

Spirulina, a filamentous cyanobacterium, stands out as a sustainable superfood and biofactory. It is exceptionally rich in protein, antioxidants, and micronutrients, with metabolic adaptability ideal for synthetic biology and industrial biomanufacturing. Importantly, Spirulina offers a low-impact alternative to traditional agriculture by requiring minimal resources. However, the UK currently faces challenges in Spirulina cultivation due to climate and limited access to scalable technologies.

This multidisciplinary PhD project builds on our recent breakthroughs in Spirulina genetic modification and world-leading expertise in cyanobacterial photosynthesis and physiology, and aims to:

  1. Uncover the molecular mechanisms controlling photosynthesis and nitrogen metabolism in Spirulina;
  2. Develop genetic engineering tools and platforms for enhanced carbon and nitrogen fixation;
  3. Redirect metabolic pathways to optimise protein yield and the nutritional profile;
  4. Integrate biological insights with scalable photobioreactor technology for large-scale production.

The project will not only provide fundamental insights into Spirulina metabolism but also offer practical solutions for food security, green biomanufacturing, and establishing Spirulina as a key resource in the UK circular bioeconomy.

Diverse Training and Industrial Collaboration

You will receive advanced training in molecular biology, synthetic biology, microscopy, spectroscopy, multi-omics, metabolic modelling, and will contribute to innovative strategies for sustainable biotechnological development. Moreover, you will have the opportunity to visit and undertake placement at Smart Cyano Biotech Ltd. in Qingdao, China—the world’s leading innovator in Spirulina genetic transformation and large-scale cultivation. Here, you will gain hands-on experience in cyanobacterial genetic engineering, industrial-scale photobioreactor operations, protein purification and bioprocess optimisation, as well as build network with academic and industry leaders.

Further reading

1. Peng Wang, Jianxun Li, Tianpei Li, Kang Li, Pei Cing Ng, Saimeng Wang, Vincent Chriscoli, Arnaud Basle, Jon Marles-Wright, Yu-Zhong Zhang, Lu-Ning Liu* (2024) Molecular principles of the assembly and construction of a carboxysome shell. Science Advances, 10: eadr4227. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adr4227.
2. Tuomas Huokko, Tao Ni, Gregory Dykes, Deborah Simpson, Philip Brownridge, Fabian Conradi, Robert Beynon, Peter Nixon, Conrad Mullineaux, Peijun Zhang, Lu-Ning Liu* (2021) Probing the biogenesis pathway and dynamics of thylakoid membranes. Nature Communications, 12: 3475. DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23680-1.
3. Long-Sheng Zhao, Tuomas Huokko, Sam Wilson, Deborah Simpson, Qiang Wang, Alexander Ruban, Conrad Mullineaux, Yu-Zhong Zhang, Lu-Ning Liu* (2020) Structural variability, coordination and adaptation of a native photosynthetic machinery. Nature Plants, 6: 869–882. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41477-020-0694-3.
4. Pablo Ignacio Calzadilla, Junliang Song, Patrick Gallois, Giles Johnson* (2024) Proximity to Photosystem II is necessary for activation of Plastid Terminal Oxidase (PTOX) for photoprotection. Nature Communications 15: 287. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-44454-x.
5. Shanshan Zhang, Jiahui Sun, Dandan Feng, Huili Sun, Jinyu Cui, Xuexia Zeng, Yannan Wu, Guodong Luan, Xuefeng Lu* (2023) Unlocking the potentials of cyanobacterial photosynthesis for directly converting carbon dioxide into glucose. Nature Communications,14, 3425. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-39222-w.

Back to top

Who is this for?

We welcome applications from graduates in biosciences, biochemistry, biotechnology, bioengineering or related fields, motivated to tackle sustainability challenges and eager to develop multidisciplinary skills. Applicants must have obtained or be about to obtain a minimum Upper Second class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK.

Eligibility

Applicants must have obtained or be about to obtain a minimum Upper Second class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of science, engineering or technology.

International applicants

We are only able to offer a limited number of full studentships to applicants outside the UK. Therefore, full studentships will only be awarded to exceptional quality international candidates due to the competitive nature of this scheme.

International applicants must ensure they meet the academic eligibility criteria (including English language) before applying. Visit our English Language requirements page to find out more.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Liverpool, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on our website.

Back to top

How to apply

  1. 1. Contact supervisors

    You will be based primarily at the University of Liverpool (Liu Lab, www.luningliu.org), and will conduct collaborative experiments at the University of Manchester (Johnson Lab, https://www.research.manchester.ac.uk/portal/giles.johnson.html) for advanced photosynthetic measurements and at Smart Cyano Biotech Ltd (www.zklzbiotech.com/index.php?lang=en). Our research groups are internationally recognised, with strong interdisciplinary collaborations, inclusive training environments, wellbeing support, and a proven track record in mentoring graduate students from diverse backgrounds.

    Project Supervisors:

    • Professor Luning Liu, University of Liverpool
    • Professor Giles Johnson, University of Manchester
    • Professor Xuefeng Lu, Smart Cyano Biotech Ltd.

  2. 2. Prepare your application documents

    Browse our BBSRC NWD in Bioscience projects and discover one you’re passionate about that matches your interests, ambitions and goals.

    Applicants must make direct contact with preferred supervisors before applying. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to meet with potential supervisors, prior to submitting a formal online application.

    How to Apply

    All applications should be submitted through the University of Manchester application portal.

    Apply directly via this link, and select BBSRC DTP PhD as the programme of study. You may apply for up to two projects from the programme via this scheme. To do so, submit a single online application listing both project titles and the names of both main supervisors in the relevant sections.

    Please ensure that your application includes all required supporting documents:

    • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
    • Supporting Statement
    • Academic Certificates and Transcripts

    Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

    Applications should not be made through the University of Liverpool’s application portal.

    You must submit your application form along with the required supporting documents by the deadline date. You can select up to two projects on one single application, noting the title of each project from the advert and the supervisor name. This can include two projects from one institution or a project from each institution.

    Once you have completed your application, you’ll receive a confirmation email.

    Deadline: Sunday 7th December, midnight (UK time)

    Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

    If you need help with this stage of the process, or have any queries regarding your eligibility (such as if you achieved unexpectedly low degree results due to extenuating circumstances), please contact the Liverpool BBSRC team for advice at 

  3. 3. Apply

    Finally, register and apply online. You'll receive an email acknowledgment once you've submitted your application. We'll be in touch with further details about what happens next.

    Once you have applied through the University of Manchester portal, and if you are successfully offered a studentship following a formal interview, you will be instructed to apply formally through the University of Liverpool. You must only do this once you have been instructed to do so.

Back to top

Funding your PhD

This is a 4 year CASE studentship in partnership with Smart Cyano Biotech Ltd. available to UK and international applicants, and provide funding for tuition fees and stipend at the UKRI rate, subject to eligibility, for four years.. This covers tuition fees and an annual stipend. This does not include any costs associated with relocation.

Back to top

Contact us

Have a question about this research opportunity or studying a PhD with us? Please get in touch with us, using the contact details below, and we’ll be happy to assist you.

Liverpool BBSRC team
Back to top