Innovative Approaches to mRNA Purification and Process Optimisation

Project ID: 2531bd1619

(You will need this ID for your application)

Research Theme: Manufacturing The Future

Research Area(s): Engineering Biology
Manufacturing technologies

UCL Lead department: Biochemical Engineering

Project Summary:

Nucleic acid-based therapeutics, particularly mRNA, offer targeted and personalised treatment options for diseases that traditional modalities cannot address. However, their high manufacturing costs limit accessibility, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This project aims to develop low-cost, scalable purification methods, alternative to chromatographic methods, to reduce production costs and enable broader global access to RNA-based medicines.

You will join a research group that has pioneered high-yield mRNA production and novel purification strategies, including the first to surpass the 10 g/L yield benchmark. The team collaborates across biochemical engineering, chemistry, analytical science, and microfabrication, providing a multidisciplinary environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities and external partnerships for specialised equipment. You will:

Manufacture mRNA from upstream synthesis to downstream purification
Use analytical tools (HPLC, fragment analyser, sequencer)
Apply microfabrication techniques to develop prototype systems
Design experiments to optimise purification conditions
Use machine learning (Bayesian optimisation) to enhance separation yields
Perform statistical analysis to evaluate process performance
Explore continuous processing strategies for RNA purification

We seek a motivated student with a background in biochemical engineering, chemistry, or a related discipline. Experience or interest in wet lab work, data analysis, and process optimisation is desirable. A willingness to engage in interdisciplinary research and learn new techniques is essential.