PhD Studentship: Degradable and Sustainable Polymers in the Environment

The influence of plastic pollution on our environment has been well documented, however, there remains a knowledge gap between relating to how new polymers and plastics might biodegrade. To this end, we have a fully funded PhD studentship (due to eligibility criteria, only for UK applicants) that will focus on developing sustainable polymer platforms, studying their degradation with the aim of developing understanding of how the chemical structure of the polymer relates to its degradation in the environment. The studeis will involve a wide range of training, supported by experts, in the synthesis of sustainable and degradable polymers, application of advanced analytical techniques and understanding of environmental degradation. This area is an important field of research to enable us to better understand the likely impact of current, but also, future plastics on the environment.

A funded PhD studentship is available in the group of Prof. Andrew Dove at the University of Birmingham (group website: http://www.dovegrouplab.com) to work in this area. The project will involve research in some or all of the key areas that the group are interested:

• Synthesis of sustainable polymers
• Studying the degradation of plastic materials under a range of conditions
• Applying and developing analytical methods to analyse the results
• Working with partners in other disciplines and industry to model the results

The project will involve several areas that can be tuned towards the successful applicant’s interests and skills and will be ideal for students that are interested in a fundamental research project with an applied goal. The work will be conducted in the newly opened, Molecular Sciences Building on the Edgbaston campus that provides state of the art facilities in which to conduct this research.

The funding can only be used to support students that are eligible for home fee status. The successful applicants should expect to have a good (1st or 2.1 UK or equivalent) degree in chemistry.

Enquiries and informal applications should be made as soon as possible to Prof. Andrew Dove by email at a.dove@bham.ac.uk

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