PhD Studentship: Fully funded studentship in Plastivore Plasticity

College of Health Medicine and Life Sciences 

Fully funded studentship in Plastivore Plasticity: characterising metabolic flexibility in an emerging biotechnological system to manage plastic waste 

Project Description

There are many forms of pollution but it predominantly concerns the issue of chemical and plastic waste. In particular, plastic waste represents a complex societal challenge; the benefits provided by plastics are indisputable but there are concerning impacts in the environment from the micro- to macro-scale. 

An emerging and ground-breaking biotechnological system involves the use of insect larvae to biodegrade plastics and has been observed for several species, but focus has been given to Galleria mellonella (Greater Wax Moth) that was recently demonstrated to degrade plastics like polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS) converting them to proteins, lipids and frass. This biodegradation pathway could enable the re-use of by-products and provide a future solution to the plastic waste emergency. However, whilst biodegradation has been observed, the use of plastic as a food source has limited understanding regarding the toxicological effects in these plastivore insects and the metabolic plasticity associated with a plastic-rich diet. How does metabolic flexibility via plasticity and redundancy enable these insects to use plastics as a sole carbon source? 

Based in and funded by the College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, this studentship offers a full-time annual London rate stipend estimated at £21,237 (including London weighting) and Home tuition fees, for a maximum of 36 months. 

The Department of Life Sciences holds a Silver Athena SWAN Award and is committed to equality of opportunity and advancing women’s careers. 

The start date will be 1 October 2024. 

Supervisory team

• Dr Thomas Miller, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Toxicology, Department of Life Sciences, Brunel University London (London, UK).
• Dr Ronan McCarthy, Reader in Biosciences, Department of Life Sciences, Brunel University London (London, UK).
• Dr Eleni Iacovidou, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Management, Department of Life Sciences, Brunel University London (London, UK). 

For informal discussions, please contact Dr Thomas Miller (thomas.miller@brunel.ac.uk) 

Eligibility

Candidates should have an undergraduate degree (first or upper second class) or equivalent qualification in analytical science, biochemistry, environmental science, pharmaceutical science or toxicology. A Masters qualification in a relevant area would be desirable. Knowledge of analytical chemistry and coding is desirable, ideally with research experience. Applicants who have not been awarded a degree by a University in the UK will be expected to demonstrate English language skills to IELTS 7.0 (minimum 6.5 in any section). UK applications are welcome and eligible for the funding. 

How to Apply

If you wish to apply, please e-mail the following to chmls-pgr-officestaff@brunel.ac.uk  by 10^th June 2024. 

• An up-to-date CV.
• A single-page A4 single-spaced personal statement describing why you are a suitable candidate (i.e. outlining your qualifications and skills).
• One example of your academic writing (e.g. an essay, a section from a dissertation).
• Names and contact details for two academic referees.
• A copy of your highest degree certificate and transcript.
• A copy of your English language qualification, where applicable.

Short-listed applicants will be required to attend an interview week commencing Week of 1^st July 2024. The successful candidate will be instructed to submit a formal online application via Admissions.  

For further information about how to apply, please contact the College of Health Medicine and Life Sciences Postgraduate Research Office on chmls-pgr-officestaff@brunel.ac.uk.

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