"PhD Studentship: Decarbonisation of Industrial Cooking of Food While Maintaining Quality Characteristics"

Brunel University London - Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering - Centre for Sustainable Energy Use in Food Chains

Qualification Type: PhD

Location: Brunel University of London

Award duration: 4 years

Start Date: Latest start date 1 October 2026

Food processing currently relies heavily on the combustion of natural gas to provide process and space heating. Until recently, natural gas was considered the preferred fuel for heating due its lower unit cost and greenhouse gas emissions compared to alternative fossil fuels and electricity. Emissions from the combustion of natural gas, however, are fixed, and gas, unlike electricity cannot benefit from the use of renewable energy sources and nuclear power for decarbonisation.

To meet the net zero target by 2050 it is therefore imperative that the use of natural gas is phased out in the next 10-15 years. This places significant challenges on the food manufacturing industry which include changes to processing technologies to accommodate decarbonised energy vectors, the need to make informed decisions on the adoption of new technologies, and significant capital investment.

To address this challenge, we are seeking to recruit a highly motivated and enthusiastic doctoral researcher to undertake investigations on a range of emerging electrified technologies, energy recovery technologies and alternative gas burning fuels for the decarbonisation of industrial cooking.

The project will be based within the Centre for Sustainable Energy Use in Food Chains (CSEF) which has substantial expertise and experimental facilities to support the research.

Candidate Requirements:

Candidates are expected to hold, or about to obtain, at a minimum, one of the following: upper second-class Honours degree (or equivalent) in food science and technology, chemical or process engineering, mechanical engineering, or related discipline. Good team working, observational and communication skills are essential with the ability to work independently and as a member of a research team.

The student will benefit from being part of the BBSRC Food Consortium CTP. Further information on the CTP can be found at: https://www.campdenbri.co.uk/research/consortium/food-consortium.php

The studentship is open to both UK home and overseas students.

• Applicants are expected to hold first or upper-second class honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline. A Postgraduate Masters degree is not required but may be an advantage;
• If appropriate, applicants must demonstrate English language skills to an overall score of IELTS 6.5 (minimum score of 6.0 in all sections) or equivalent;
• All applicants are asked to submit their up-to-date CV, personal statement (300 to 500 words), degree certificates and transcripts, evidence of English language skills (if appropriate) and contact details for two referees, one of which must be academic but not from the Principal Supervisor.
• EqualOpportunities form

How to Apply

Informal inquiries are encouraged and can be made to:

Professor Savvas Tassou: savvas.tassou@brunel.ac.uk

All completed applications should be submitted to studentships@brunel.ac.uk via the above 'Apply' button.