Compostable algae based plastics: how formulations influence environmental impact

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 ‘Compostable algae based plastics: how formulations influence environmental impact’  (DNS 12) with Prof Marina Resmini, in collaboration with industrial partner NotPla (https://www.notpla.com/). The research will study how the different formulations of materials made from algae can impact their degradation profile, ultimately influencing the environment. You will be required to spend 50% of your time working within a non-academic setting, mainly at Notpla, 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 strong interest to 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.