People-Led Net Zero: Cellular Agriculture Manufacturing

About the Project

The Centre for People-Led Net Zero (P-LNZ) has three, fully funded, three-year PhDs available to commence before October 2026. The aim of P-LNZ is to accelerate the UK’s transition to Net Zero using systems approaches. The purpose is to ensure that when making Net Zero decisions the transition leads to resilient, fair and enduring change. Core to the Centre are ‘live’ test cases. We currently have four early-stage test cases: P-LNZ Test Cases. This PhD will be focused on the Cellular Agriculture test case.

This advert may close early if a suitable candidate is identified. Early application is therefore encouraged. Applicants must be able to commence their studies by September 2026 at the latest.

The Project

This PhD project will use systems‑modelling approaches to evaluate pathways for achieving Net Zero in the emerging field of cellular agriculture, with a particular emphasis on novel distributed manufacturing systems. Working in partnership with relevant industry and wider stakeholders, the successful applicant will explore the environmental, social, and economic implications for cellular‑agriculture products (for example, cultivated meat).

Within the first six months, the researcher will select a specific focus area for their modelling and data‑gathering. In line with People‑Led Net Zero principles, this may include dimensions such as:

• User and consumer perception
• Community acceptance and behavioural factors
• Business‑model innovation for distributed manufacturing
• Supply‑chain configuration and resilience
• Workforce implications and future skills needs
• Interactions between technology choices, policy levers, and societal outcomes

The project will integrate mixed‑methods systems modelling—qualitative, quantitative and hybrid—to understand which pathways provide “win–win” outcomes for multiple actors involved in achieving Net Zero in cellular‑agriculture systems.

Candidate Requirements

Academic Background

• A first-class degree (or equivalent).
• Familiarity with systems modelling, qualitative, quantitative and mixed.
• An understanding of Net Zero.
• Experience with working across disciplines.

Non-UK applicants must meet our English language entry requirement.

Personal Attributes

• Keenness to learn from and work with people from multiple disciplines.
• Strong communication skills with an ability to engage effectively with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Flexibility and resilience to quickly change direction in response to unforeseen opportunities.
• Evidence the ability to create clear and concise reports targeted at a range of audiences.
• Willingness to take advice, but able to work independently and take responsibility for self-management and delivering against milestones.
• Self-driven: lead your PhD research topic.
• Ability to travel (with adequate notice) to engage with a wide range of P-LNZ stakeholders and to present research findings to academic and industry audiences and engage with Centre meetings.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We value a diverse research environment and strive to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated and respected. We encourage applications from under-represented groups.

If you have circumstances that you feel we should be aware of that have affected your educational attainment, then please feel free to tell us about it in your application form. The best way to do this is a short paragraph at the end of your personal statement.

The Disability Service ensures that individuals with disabilities are provided the support that they need. If you state if your application that you have a disability, the Disability Service will contact you as part of this process to discuss your needs

Enquiries and Applications

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed by email to Professor Linda Newnes (p-ld@bath.ac.uk)

To make a formal application, you must use the University of Bath’s online portal, selecting the PhD in Mechanical Engineering option. Under Funding your studies, you should select “University of Bath LURS” as the Studentship, the PhD Title is “People-Led Net Zero: Campus Infrastructure” and the Name of Intended Supervisor is “Linda Newnes”. Applications cannot be accepted by email.

Funding Notes

Applicants will be considered for a University of Bath 'LURS' studentship. This funding covers tuition fees at the Home or Overseas rate, a stipend (£20,780 2025/26 rate) and a £1000/annum training support budget, for up to 3 years. Non-UK applicants must meet our English language entry requirement.