EPSRC iCASE PhD Studentship in Sustainable Material Selection, Packaging and the Circular Economy

Funding for:

UK Students, EU and non-EU (Overseas) Students

Applications are invited for a research studentship in the field of Sustainable Material Selection, Packaging and the Circular Economy leading to the award of a PhD degree and starting in October 2023.

Abstract

The overall aim of the project is to advance material selection for packaging used in regulated consumer goods ensuring that they meet sustainability and circularity targets. In collaboration with Procter & Gamble, the research will focus on sustainable material selection for Personal Health Care (PHC) products. The research aim will be achieved by developing a tool to help understand the performance of materials, components and products as they flow through the systems in the whole life cycle of regulated consumer goods. The specific objectives are to: 1) review and understand current material selection practices for packaging used in regulated consumer goods; 2) research the factors influencing the specification, circular flow, and performance of materials, components and products in the whole life cycle, investigating, in particular, the constraints posed by recovery systems and legal and regulatory frameworks; and 3) develop a new tool for sustainable material selection supporting holistic understanding and integration of socio, technical, environmental and regulatory factors.

Applicant requirements

We are seeking candidates who can demonstrate academic excellence and outstanding research potential. Applicants should have at least a good upper second class (2:1) UK honours degree (or equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK) and preferably a Master’s degree in Design, Manufacturing, Engineering, Management or a related subject. Interest and expertise in Sustainable Design and Manufacturing, the Circular Economy, Industrial Ecology, Closed Loop Systems and Resource Efficiency will be valued. Candidates with industrial experience are highly encouraged to apply. In addition, good team-working and communication skills are essential.

Funding

The post is supported by an industrial Cooperative Award in Science & Technology (i-CASE) studentship covering stipend and fees for 4 years (at the UK/EU student rate) provided by the EPSRC and Procter & Gamble.

This studentship is open to UK, EU and non-EU students.

Research environment

The award will provide the selected PhD student with a first-rate, challenging research training experience, within the context of a mutually beneficial research collaboration between the Dyson School of Design Engineering at Imperial College London and Procter & Gamble.

You will work within a passionate and dynamic team of researchers and innovators in the Dyson School of Design Engineering. The School was formed in 2014, building on the long-standing design and engineering expertise at Imperial as well as the world-renowned Innovation Design Engineering programme run jointly by Imperial and the Royal College of Art.

The award also provides access to training, facilities and expertise not available in an academic setting alone as the student is expected to take placements at Procter & Gamble. The student will have an academic and an industrial supervisor, and an opportunity to develop a range of valuable skills and significantly enhance their future employability.

Enquiry contact details

Informal inquiries should be sent to Dr. Marco Aurisicchio: m.aurisicchio@imperial.ac.uk, along with a CV. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to submit a formal PhD application via the College’s online admissions system.

Deadline dates

Apply as soon as possible and by 28 February.

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