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Summary
Research has a high carbon footprint and hence a sustainable approach has become a necessity (UKRI, 2026) .Thus far the approach has been to deal with the low hanging fruit such as waste disposal, energy savings and procurement (Carrillo-Barragan 2024) but much less time has been spent investigating our actual approach to research, our methods and procedures and how addressing these might lead to a step change towards net zero requirements (Kelly, 2023). The focus on sustainability in laboratories is supported by laboratory accreditation schemes e.g. LEAF (Schell & Burns 2024), but there is less in the way of support for changes in research laboratories. The Microbiology Group in the School of Biomedical Sciences is the ideal test-bed to investigate procedures and approaches. It is a self-contained unit of the Northern Centre for Food Innovation and Health (NICHE) with technical staff, academic staff, post-docs and PhD researchers working in close proximity to their desk/office space. The Microbiology Group also hosts a significant number of undergraduate and MSc students during the academic year along with Visiting Researchers. This interdisciplinary MRes project will involve the student examining research procedures with the use of psychology methodologies to identify ways of working and how these can be refined and or replaced. This project will be of interest to students who are seeking a career in project delivery in the sustainability sphere in the context of Bioscience/Psychology Research.
This proposal aligns with the University’s strategic plan – People, Place and Partnership: Delivering Sustainable Futures for All, the DfE sectoral plans for achieving low carbon/net zero (Skills and Workforce Development) and the Programme for Government 2024-2027 – Grow a Globally Competitive and Sustainable Economy. It aligns with the Causeway Coast and Glens Growth Deals’ Centre for Food and Drug Discovery (CCFD) where NICHE is a significant contributor.
Objectives of the research:
Conduct a review of sustainable practices in Microbiological Research
Identify procedures and approaches to Microbiological Research in a typical laboratory
Provide recommendations to refine and/or replace procedures and approaches in Microbiological Research
Methods to be used:
For the successful applicant..
The project will involve a period of observation in the Microbiology Group
Training will be provided in the preparation of an ethics application to perform research
There will be an opportunity to train in the collection and analysis of data
There may be the opportunity to conduct a workshop/conduct focus groups and/or interviews with stakeholders
Skills required of applicant:
Applicants should have a degree in Biomedical Science, Psychology or a related area and should have achieved at least a 2.1. A background in microbiology and/or an interest in sustainability would be an advantage but full training will be available to the successful applicant.
Essential criteria
Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.
We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.
In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.
- Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
- A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
Desirable Criteria
If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.
- First Class Honours (1st) Degree
- Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
- Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
- Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
- Publications record appropriate to career stage
- Experience of presentation of research findings
Equal Opportunities
The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.
Appointment will be made on merit.
Funding and eligibility
This opportunity is open to all applicants.
The tuition fee for international and EU (excluding ROI) candidates is £19,040 for 2026/27.
Studentship funding is available to UK and ROI applicants, as follows:
- MRes studentships will be available to top ranked candidates to cover tuition fees and a Research Training Support Grant of £900.
- All applicants to the project will be considered automatically for an MRes studentship.
- Applicants who do not receive a studentship but meet admission requirements may be offered admission on a self-funded basis.
- Applicants who already hold an MRes or a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of an MRes or doctoral degree are NOT eligible to apply for funding.
- Applicants who hold or who are registered on a taught Master’s degree are eligible to apply.
Recommended reading
Carrillo-Barragan P. (2024) Clean your own house first: integrating sustainability into microbiology labs. FEMS Microbiol Ecol. 17;100(7):fiae084. doi: 10.1093/femsec/fiae084.
Kelly FJ (2023) How can we reduce biomedical research’s carbon footprint?. PLOS Biology 21(11): e3002363. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.3002363
Schell, BR, Bruns, N (2024) Lab sustainability programs LEAF and My Green Lab®: impact, user experience & suitability. RSC Sustainability 2(11) 3383-3396 doi: https://doi.org/10.1039/d4su00387j
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