Biodegradable vs Compostable plastic: new formulations

Applications are invited for one Doctoral Network Student (DNS) position to work as part of the Marie Sk¿odowska-Curie Doctoral Training Network GreenX3, focusing on the study of greener materials and their environmental impact, the development of novel environment-friendly industrial processes, and key enabling technologies (KETs) designed to enhance resource management and product quality, with a combination of teams offering an outstanding multidisciplinary and intersectorial training program.

The appointed researcher will work on a project on ‘Biodegradable vs compostable plastic: new formulations’ (DNS 11) with Prof Marina Resmini, in collaboration with industrial partner Symphony Environmental Ltd. The research will target the study of artificial ageing of different plastics, ranging from biodegradable to compostable, to evaluate how surface chemistry can affect the environmental impact. You will be required to spend 50% of your time working within a non-academic setting, and attend all the Network’s training evens. You will be registered as PhD student and based in the Chemistry Department at QMUL.  

QMUL is a ‘Russell Group’ UK HEI conducting the very best research and outstanding teaching and learning. It is ranked 9th in research quality in the 2014 UK Research Excellence Framework (REF), 5th for research outputs, and has 9 Nobel Prize winners. It has 25,000+ students (6,601 postgraduates) and 4,500+ staff over multiple campuses.

Applicants must have a Chemistry-based degree with a good knowledge of organic and polymer chemistry, while previous experience of material characterization is highly desirable. Good knowledge of the English language, both written and spoken, is essential, together with a strong interest in applied research, within an industrial setting. Candidates with degrees in Nanotechnology and Chemical Engineering are not eligible to apply for this post.

The post is open to applicants of any nationality with tuition fees covered by the funding, however strict eligibility requirements apply. Applicants should not be UK nationals, and must not have lived, worked or studied in the UK for more than 12 months out of the 3 years immediately prior to the time of application. To qualify as ‘Doctoral Network Candidate’ applicants should not  be already in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of the recruitment. For more information please see: http://ec.europa.eu/mariecurieactions.