Lead supervisor: Dr Thierry Tonon
Co-supervisors: Dr Charlotte Walker
Postgraduates will be registered with the Department of Biology (University of York)
Algae offer unique opportunities for the sustainable production of valuable products both through naturally occurring metabolites and bioengineered pathways. The haptophyte Tisochrysis lutea presents multiple potential industrial applications. It’s predominantly used as an aquaculture feedstock due to the high omega-3 fatty acid content, and as a source of the antioxidant fucoxanthin. However, it remains underutilised due to limitations in cultivation, lack of bioengineering tools, and restrictions on market entry. An example of underutilised potential is the production of DHA and EPA by T. lutea, which are of interest to the nutraceutical industry as a plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids. T. lutea also produces alkenones as a carbon storage, which provide a plant-based alternative to waxes widely used in the cosmetic industry.
One potential solution is Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, an easily cultivated and freshwater microalgae with an extensive bioengineering toolkit and a GRAS (food safe) status. This alga provides a bioengineering platform for DHA/EPA and alkenone production, whilst remaining a carbon-fixing plant-based system. In this context, this project will aim to fulfil the following objectives:
- Identify the molecular basis of DHA/EPA and alkenone production bioinformatically in T. lutea.
- Engineer selected T. lutea genes into Chlamydomonas using the Goldengate Moclo method, with a combination of nuclear and chloroplast transformation approaches to assess the most efficient engineering strategy and maximise success.
- Characterize the generated strains throughout the engineering process using: (i) transgene expression by qRT-PCR and RNA sequencing; (ii) enzyme production by Western-blot; (iii) lipidomics analysis (liquid/gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry) for intermediates and final products quantification. The impact on transformant fitness will also be analysed through comparison of growth, Fv/Fm and cell structure with wild type cells.
- Screen, learn and optimise. Integrative phenotyping combined with metabolic modelling will identify bottleneck(s) in biosynthesis, and guide the optimisation process, including changing promoters, knocking out competitive pathways, and altering growth conditions.
Several outcomes will be expected from this project, including: (i) New strains of Chlamydomonas as a source of valuable products; ii) increased understanding of key T. lutea metabolic pathways; iii) scientific papers and communications to relevant stakeholders; iv) proof of concept that will seed an optimisation production, generation of intellectual property, and potential scaling-up; v) training of a highly qualified bioengineer.
Plant BioDesign is a doctoral programme that will train the next generation of scientists to design and engineer plants to tackle global challenges in food security, clean growth, and environmental sustainability. The programme brings together world-leading researchers at the universities of York, Cambridge and Bristol and the John Innes Centre.
Plant BioDesign offers a unique four-year PhD training programme in plant engineering biology incorporating interdisciplinary research with training in engineering principles, advanced lab techniques, non-academic collaboration and professional and leadership development.
Plant BioDesign is part of the TechExpert pilot providing an enhanced annual stipend of £31,000. PGRs will participate in TechExpert activities each year, including outreach to promote tech careers, networking with the TechFirst community and engagement with the tech industry. The aim of the TechExpert pilot is to strengthen the UK’s innovation pipeline and build a more inclusive, resilient and high-impact research ecosystem.
The University of York Department of Biology holds an Athena SWAN Gold Award. We are committed to supporting equality and diversity and strive to provide a positive working environment for all staff and students.
Entry Requirements:
You can apply if you have, or are expecting to gain, at least an upper second class honours degree or equivalent. You should have a background in biological, chemical or physical science or mathematics, be passionate about plant engineering biology and keen to develop your research and innovation skills to tackle global challenges. Open to UK (home) students only.
Plant BioDesign is committed to recruiting future engineering biologists regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or career pathway to date. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in science, who have curiosity, creativity and a drive to help grow the UK’s capability in engineering biology.
The aim of the TechExpert pilot is to strengthen the UK’s innovation pipeline and build a more inclusive, resilient and high-impact research ecosystem, retaining talented graduates in research roles at doctoral level to upskill for future tech careers and providing a viable way back into these roles for those who are employed.
Plant BioDesign will hold a webinar at 2.30 pm on Wed 10th December to provide more information on the programme and recruitment process. Please register if you wish to attend.
Programme: PhD in Biology (4 years)
Start Date: 21 September 2026
How to apply
To submit your application, click on APPLY NOW. You can apply for up to two Plant BioDesign projects (which can be at different institutions).
We advise you to read the questions in the form before submitting your application. Inside the form there is a link to a document for you to see the questions in advance.
Please note that students who need a visa to study in the UK are not eligible to apply for this project.
If you have questions about the application process, please email plant-biodesign-network@york.ac.uk
If you have questions about the project you are interested in, please email the project supervisor thierry.tonon@york.ac.uk
How we allocate:
Shortlisting will take place shortly after the closing date and successful applicants will be notified promptly. If you're shortlisted, you'll be invited for an online interview on 27th February 2026. You'll be notified shortly after the interview dates whether your application has been successful, placed on a reserve list or unsuccessful. If you are successful, you'll be offered a visit to the offering institution and asked to confirm your intention to accept the studentship within 14 days.
Application deadline: 5pm on Monday 19th January 2026
APPLY NOW
