Next-Generation Continuous Crystallisation: Holistic Characterisation of Taylor–Couette Crystallisers for Digital Twins in Multiphase Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

About the Project

The Department of Chemical Engineering at University College London (UCL) invites applications for a fully funded PhD studentship at University College London under the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Industrial Doctoral Landscape Award (IDLA) scheme. It provides funding for four-year doctoral studentships which include a business or industry sponsor with an academic partner institution. This studentship is in partnership with AstraZeneca. Fully funded means that UK home tuition fees and a stipend are covered for the full four-year duration (international fees are not fully covered).

The project will be based at UCL’s state-of-the-art Manufacturing Futures Lab (MFL) at UCL East (https://www.ucl.ac.uk/manufacturing-futures-lab/), a new interdisciplinary facility for digital manufacturing, automation, and advanced process development, offering a cutting-edge environment for research in continuous crystallisation and reactor technology.

The student will join UCL Chemical Engineering (https://www.ucl.ac.uk/engineering/chemical-engineering), an internationally leading department and an Athena Swan Gold award holder, committed to an inclusive, supportive, and collaborative research environment.

Studentship description

Multiphase processes, and continuous crystallisation in particular, are critical yet still underdeveloped areas in pharmaceutical and fine chemical manufacturing, with strong and growing industrial demand for robust, scalable, and data-driven solutions. This industry-funded PhD project will establish a holistic understanding of Taylor–Couette reactors for such systems, linking reactor design and operation to mixing behaviour, residence time distribution, and crystallisation outcomes. The aim is to develop practical design rules and data-driven models that enable reliable continuous manufacturing. The project is delivered in partnership with AstraZeneca, ensuring direct relevance to real industrial challenges.

The project is primarily experimental, with a strong focus on automation and the development of intelligent, self-driven laboratory platforms. The student will work on the design and implementation of Taylor–Couette reactor systems within integrated, automated workflows, enabling systematic and high-throughput exploration of complex crystallisation processes.

A key aspect of the project is the integration of advanced analytical tools into a unified, intelligent platform for crystallisation, enabling real-time monitoring, rapid data generation, and deeper process insight. This will support the development of digital twins and new strategies for data-driven process optimisation, particularly for processes that remain poorly understood using conventional approaches.

Developed in close partnership with AstraZeneca, the project addresses pressing industrial challenges in purification and continuous manufacturing, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to next-generation technologies at the interface of reactor engineering, automation, and pharmaceutical development.

In summary, the project will progress through: (i) design and prototyping of Taylor–Couette reactor systems, (ii) automated experimental and computational characterisation of mixing and flow behaviour, and (iii) application to continuous crystallisation processes, linking reactor performance to product outcomes and generating datasets for digital twin development. The student will work closely with leading academics and industry partners, conducting cutting-edge research in world-class facilities and leveraging advanced experimental, analytical, and automation technologies.

Person specification

Applicants should have, or expect to obtain, a first-class or upper second-class degree (or equivalent) in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline.

The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in industrially relevant research, particularly at the interface of process engineering and automation. They should be motivated to expand their skill set and work across disciplines, including engaging with both experimental and data-driven approaches.

An interest in data analysis and programming (e.g. Python) is advantageous; however, no prior experience in coding or automation is required, as training will be provided.

Strong communication skills, good organisation, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team are essential. A willingness to collaborate closely with AstraZeneca and undertake an industrial placement is expected.

Eligibility

An upper second-class or higher degree at the MEng or MSc level is required.

Funds are only available to cover UK-equivalent fees. Overseas applicants may apply but if successful would have to find funding to cover the difference between the UK and overseas tuition fees rates.

To apply

Applications should be submitted through: https://evision.ucl.ac.uk/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_ipp_lgn.login?process=siw_ipp_app&code1=RRDCENSING01&code2=0041

Please nominate Dr. Max Besenhard as supervisor and include a statement of interest.

For informal enquiries please contact Dr. Max Besenhard at: m.besenhard@ucl.ac.uk.

For further information on the MPhil/PhD course as well as the recruitment and selection process, please click on the link below:

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/chemical-engineering/study/mphilphd

Funding Notes

Stipend: £25,966 per annum + UK fees

Duration of studentship: 4 years

Start date: October 2026