In order to ensure a skilled workforce is available, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) is helping UK industry by supporting the EngD in Biopharmaceutical Process Development at Newcastle University, co-funding 12 Engineering Doctorate students a year for 5 years.

EngDs receive an enhanced funding package that includes an annual stipend of circa £20k. This together with access to world class academics and laboratory facilities means we attract the highest calibre students.

A traditional PhD often involves spending a lot of time looking at a focussed problem, in an isolated, academic setting. One of the challenges for conventional PhD students after they qualify and enter industry for the first time is in understanding industrial culture, timescales and priorities. To meet this need, the new Engineering Doctorate (EngD) programme is designed with a strong industry focus from the start, providing students with immersion in the industrial environment throughout the 4-year programme.

They work on a portfolio of leading edge projects, typically spending 75% of their time at the industrial base, which is more akin to the problems found in industry. EngD students are selected from a variety of scientific backgrounds and we recognise the necessity of cross-sectoral learning to innovation within R&D. The interdisciplinary research philosophy of the EngD programme brings together students and researchers from the traditionally distinct backgrounds of biology, chemistry, statistics, computer science and engineering.

Ultimately these students will have the skills to take processes through development as fast as possible, more robustly, solving complex problems and open ended research problems along the way.

Benefits to your company

+ Extended interview process
+ Nurture industry leaders of the future
+ Cost effective means of getting a highly skilled enthusiastic team player
+ Access to the wider network of students
+ University Support with world leading academics
+ The EngD teams skill set is different to those found elsewhere giving you a     unique opportunity to have a fresh approach to research challenges
+ By engaging with the BBTC you can help shape the direction of research

Research Projects

The research projects will consider improvement opportunities for both established biopharmaceutical production routes and horizon products such as stem cells. In seeking improved development three overarching areas of focus will be considered: Measurement, data and knowledge management. Process analytical technology, data management, new measurement and analysis techniques, signal pre-processing and complex data interpretation

Systems analysis and building process representations. Enhancing biosystems understanding, bioinformatics, Feature extraction, data visualisation, process modeling and representation, risk based analysis

Enhanced development and operational strategies. Experimental design strategies, whole process design, process monitoring, control and optimisation, improved operational strategies.

Further Information

Please contact the Industrial Liaison Director on 0191 2225332
+ 03.01 EngD (Learn more)

+ Engaging Industry PDF (Download)