PDRA Developing Sustainability Prediction Tools for Biobased Monomer for PLFs

Department
A position is available within Prof Helen Sneddon’s research group as part of the EPSRC and BBSRC Supergen Bioenergy Hub.

Special polymers for liquid formulations are a key part of many everyday products from adhesives and sealants, in agriculture, in household cleaning, in inks, as lubricants, paints and coatings, in personal care and cosmetics, and in water treatment. They have an estimated global value of $1.3 trillion. Significant efforts are underway to identify and develop novel biobased and biodegradable polymers for these formulations. However, it is critical that we understand the wider sustainability credentials of these materials. Just because something is bioderived does not mean it will be biodegradable. And just because something is bioderived does not mean it will have a lower carbon footprint than a petrochemical derived alternative.

This project will assess both the sustainability credentials of existing and novel polymer liquid formulations and develop a tool for predicting (within certain caveats) the LCA of biobased and bioderived polymers.

The post would suit someone with a background in life cycle assessment.

The Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence (GCCE) is a world-leading academic facility for pioneering pure and applied green and sustainable chemical research, providing innovative solutions for a circular, sustainable 21st century economy, specialising in renewable feedstocks, green synthesis, sustainable technologies and design for sustainable reuse/degradation/recovery.

The Department of Chemistry is one of the UK's leading Chemistry departments and we are renowned internationally for our research. We have been recognised consistently for our family-friendly policies and are proud of our Athena SWAN Gold Award.

Role

• To conduct research under the supervision of senior colleagues and to contribute to the production of research:
  • To conduct a baseline assessment of several biobased and petrochemical based polymers.
  • To develop a tool for prediction of life cycle assessment and/or other sustainability credentials of novel biobased polymers.
  • To write up the results for publication in scientific journals.
• To assist in the identification and development of potential areas of research and the development of proposals for independent or collaborative research projects.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

• First degree in chemistry, natural sciences, environmental science or environmental engineering etc.
• PhD in chemistry, natural sciences, environmental science or environmental engineering etc.
• Experience of carrying out both independent and collaborative research.
• Experience of writing up research work for publication.
• Previous experience of life cycle assessment / sustainability assessment.
• Ability to work as part of a team and also to work independently using own initiative.

Interview date: to be confirmed.

For informal enquiries: please contact Prof Helen Sneddon at helen.sneddon@york.ac.uk.

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University.

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork

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