PhD Scholarship in Depolymerization of Polymers

Job No.: 664375

Location: Clayton campus

Employment Type: Full-time

Duration: 3-year fixed-term appointment

Remuneration: Successful applicants will receive $35,013 p.a. as a full-time stipend (pro-rata)

PhD Project

In the framework of an ARC discovery project, we are offering a full-time funded scholarship. The project will focus on sustainable methods for chemical recycling of polymers via depolymerization in continuous flow reactors.

Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. Most plastics in use today are not readily degradable, and thus remain in our environment for extended periods of time. Further, the shift towards greener methodologies demands that plastic generation becomes circular, so that starting materials can be obtained from waste material if needed. While many new types of plastics are developed to reach this goal, it is also of high importance to investigate methods that allow chemical recycling of existing plastics and polymers. In our research group, we use depolymerization of polymers in flow reactors to convert plastics into their native monomers. Using flow chemistry allows to do so under relatively mild reaction conditions, solving the issue of high energy consumption in existing processes.

In this PhD project, we will develop novel methodologies for depolymerization using high temperature flow processes, and modern photocatalysis approaches. Flow depolymerizations will be combined with automated reaction control and with inline dialysis methodologies to drive the depolymerizations.

Candidate Requirements

Applicants must have completed a relevant chemistry or engineering degree (Honours/Master degree) at a high level (HD1 or equivalent). They are familiar with macromolecular synthesis and basic characterising tools (e.g. NMR, FTIR, SEC etc.). Ideally, they are familiar with the concepts of flow chemistry, membrane separation and chemical recycling in general. They should work well in an international team of researchers and be able to communicate swiftly about their research.

Applicants must fulfil the criteria for PhD admission at Monash University and demonstrate excellent research capability. Details of the relevant requirements are available at www.monash.edu/graduate-research/future-students/apply .

Further Information

Application documents: Applicants must submit a full CV alongside a 1-page cover letter detailing their interest in this project. Students who are about to finish a Master degree are welcome to apply.

To Apply

To submit your application, please visit: docs.google.com/forms/d/1JjGkhyPXLIXYFG7yIQ6ssh775e9hi-SUVny0jWE4sKc

Enquiries

Professor Tanja Junkers, [email protected]

Closing Date

Tuesday 30 April 2024, 11:55pm AEST

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