PhD Studentship – Process Industries: Net Zero Greener solvents for more sustainable processes

The company Reckitt is responsible for a portfolio of loved and trusted hygiene, health and nutrition brands. Our Sustainability Ambitions are an integral part of our strategy and purpose to protect, heal and nurture in the relentless pursuit of a cleaner, healthier world. Reckitt has sponsored this project with the aim of exploring green solvents across several of their processes and technologies. Solvent substitution can be used to optimise processes and reduce carbon footprint. Relevant case studies will be developed in discussion between University of York and Reckitt. The solvent substitution will be informed by the theories and methods developed at the University of York that can reveal the underlying interactions that stabilise solution mixtures and complex formulations. An assessment of the sustainability of solvents may include full sustainability criteria, or single criteria may be prioritised based on the case study – such as toxicity, renewable content, energy use, ease of recycling, ease of biodegradation, etc. Reckitt would like to incorporate new solvents into their brands and product portfolios based upon the output of the project. 

 This PhD is part of the Centre of Doctoral Training in Process Industries: Net Zero (PINZ) and will be based at the University of York. Cohort training and activities will also take place at Newcastle University. 

 The start day for the PhD will be the 15th September 2025 

 All project partners recognise the importance of equal participation, progression and success for all. We strive to provide a working, learning, social and living environment that will enable all our staff and students to contribute fully, to flourish and to excel – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.  

 The Department of Chemistry holds an Athena SWAN Gold Award and is committed to supporting equality and diversity for all staff and students. The Department strives to provide a working environment which allows all staff and students to contribute fully, to flourish, and to excel. In particular, we recognise the importance of the equal participation of women at all levels in a subject that has traditionally been, and remains, male-dominated. 

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented across the partnership. 

Number of awards 1 

Start date: 15 September 2025 

Award duration: 4 years 

Application closing date: 25th March 2025

 Sponsor EPSRC 

 Name of supervisor/s Dr Seishi Shimizu & Dr James Sherwood 

 Supervisors from the Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence at the University of York and Process Intensification Group (PIG) at Newcastle University. 

 Contact Dr Seishi Shimizu ([email protected]) and Dr James Sherwood ([email protected]) for the first instance.  

Eligibility Criteria 

You must have, or expect to gain, a minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed PhD project (usually chemistry or chemical engineering, but please get in touch if you think your qualification may be relevant). Enthusiasm for research, the ability to think and work independently, excellent analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are also essential requirements. 

 Although we sometimes have a limited number of fully funded international awards available, at this time we can only accept applications from students who qualify for UK home fees.  

How to apply    

Submit an online PhD in Chemistry application: https://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/courses/apply?course=DRPCHESCHE3 

Project Reference number: PINZ06-25

 You will then need to provide the following information: 

A ‘Personal Statement’ (this is a mandatory field) – upload a document or write a statement directly in to the application form 

‘Research Proposal’ – include the title of the project you are applying for 

A CV 

A transcript of your marks 

The details of two academic referees 

 Applications to the programme will be assessed jointly by members of the CDT leadership team in Newcastle and York, in accordance with the Newcastle University’s prospective student privacy policy and the University of York’s privacy notice for student applicants. Your application may also be shared with the project industrial partner where appropriate.