Enzymes for malodour removal on clothes in laundry, PhD (Funded)

Supervisors

Primary supervisor:

Professor Nicholas Harmer Nicholas Harmer 

Secondary supervisors:

Professor John Love John Love 

Dr. Marleen Renders (Unilever)

Research Project

Summary The University of Exeter’s Department of Biosciences / Living Systems Institute is inviting applications for a PhD studentship funded by BBSRC and Unilever to commence on 1 October 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

For eligible students the studentship will cover Home or International tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of £25,180 per year for 4 years full-time, or pro rata for part-time study. The student would be based in Exeter in the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences at the Streatham Campus in Exeter.

Project Description

PhD scholarship funded by BBSRC / Unilever for research in the area of enzymes for removal of malodour from clothes in laundry. The University of Exeter’s Department of Biosciences / Living Systems Institute is inviting applications for a PhD studentship funded by BBSRC and Unilever to commence on 1 October 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. For eligible students the studentship will cover Home or International tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of £25,180 per year for 4 years full-time, or pro rata for part-time study. The student would be based in Exeter in the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences at the Streatham Campus in Exeter. 

This project aims to develop enzymes that can degrade malodorous compounds found on fabrics in laundry that create an unpleasant dank/moldy smell upon drying. This is important as removing such compounds will give consumers a significantly better experience of clothes cleanliness, hygiene and freshness, and has the potential to reduce the volume of clothes going to landfill due to persistent odour. This odour issue on clothes has increased in relevance over recent years where there is a trend towards leisurewear and synthetics for everyday clothing. 

The project would entail the identification of new enzymes that could potentially degrade common malodorous compounds found on fabrics, their production and isolation. A significant amount of time would be dedicated to method development for the characterisation and full benefit analysis of the enzymes, including a wide range of analytical and application testing methods. Protein design/engineering and further optimisation of the enzymes will likely be needed for enabling use in laundry applications. 

The student would have the opportunity to spend three months (ideally, in several blocks of a couple of weeks) on placement at Unilever, MIF Liverpool/Port Sunlight R&D site. Ideally, the candidate has a background in protein biochemistry/engineering and an interest in working towards a very relevant consumer issue/applied goal. A keenness to explore new methodologies and apply different analytical methods would be key to the success of the project. The studentship will be awarded on the basis of merit. International applicants may apply however full funding for international students is capped at 30% of the overall cohort for this studentship scheme.

International applicants need to be aware that they will have to cover the cost of their student visa, healthcare surcharge and other costs of moving to the UK to do a PhD. 

The conditions for eligibility of home fees status are complex and you will need to seek advice if you have moved to or from the UK (or Republic of Ireland) within the past 3 years or have applied for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. 

This position involves a partnership with Unilever, who are providing funding [and other material support to the project]. Consequently, there are special terms that apply to the project (particularly regarding intellectual property). These will be discussed with Candidates at Interview and fully set out in the offer letter. Before the project starts, a contract will be agreed between the successful candidate, the University of Exeter, and Unilever to confirm these terms. 

To enquire further about the project, please contact Prof Nicholas Harmer at N.J.Harmer@exeter.ac.uk 

Entry requirements

Applicants for this studentship must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of biology and/or chemistry. If English is not your first language you will need to meet the English language requirements and provide proof of proficiency. Click here for more information. 

For how to apply please click here: Award details nearmejobs.eu Funding and scholarships for students nearmejobs.eu University of Exeter

To apply, please click the ‘Apply Now’ button above. In the application process you will be asked to upload several documents 

• CV

• Letter of application (outlining your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake the project). 

• Transcript(s) giving full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained (this should be an interim transcript if you are still studying) 

• Names of two referees familiar with your academic work. You are not required to obtain references yourself. We will request references directly from your referees if you are shortlisted. 

• If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country you will need to submit evidence of your proficiency in English. 

The closing date for applications is midnight on 7th April 2025. 

All application documents must be submitted in English. Certified translated copies of academic qualifications must also be provided. Please quote reference 5504 on your application and in any correspondence about this studentship.