School of Chemical Engineering
The School of Chemical Engineering is an international leader in the chemical engineering field and has an excellent reputation, built over many decades at The University of Queensland. It is ranked No.1 in Australia. We deliver quality programs and leadership in chemical engineering education, research and development, and expert consulting to support the process industries. Undergraduate teaching within the School focuses on the disciplines of chemical, biological, environmental and materials engineering and postgraduate programs are available in growing fields including water, sustainable energy and petroleum engineering.
For more Information about the School, please visit: www.uq.edu.au/chemeng
About This Opportunity
We are seeking a full-time, highly motivated PhD candidate to perform cutting-edge materials engineering research in the field of biopolymers. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team of Australia’s leading scientists in the fields of biopolymers, biocomposites and advanced manufacturing with an international reputation for addressing complex plastic problems in partnership with renowned global partners.
The successful Candidate will work on the latest biopolymers (PHA, PLA, PBAT and more…) to develop a new generation of self-reinforced composites, where both the matrix and the fibres are from the same type of biopolymers. During the course of the PhD, the candidate will gain a fundamental understanding on biopolymers, polymer processing, fibre manufacturing, and multiple advanced characterisation techniques. The PhD project will not only advance knowledge in a high-impact field, but also bring the potential to unlock new applications for biopolymers across multiple industries. This is an emerging and rapidly growing field, which is attracting the interest of multinational companies and governments around the world.
The project is funded by the Australian Research Council through a prestigious Discovery Project and ultimately aims at facilitating Australia’s transition to a biobased and circular economy. This project is in collaboration with Deakin University (Australia), and University of Warwick (UK). Hence, the candidate will be part of a greater team led by UQ’s Prof Peter Halley, and be exposed to a broad network of partners, collaborators and industries in the field of biopolymers. The position will also offer a high level of reward, aimed at delivering innovative solutions for the next generation of materials. The position will require travelling across Australia and internationally to meet partners and attend conferences.
This position is located at our picturesque St Lucia campus, renowned as one of Australia’s most attractive university campuses, and located just 7km from Brisbane’s city centre. Bounded by the Brisbane River on three sides, and with outstanding public transport connections, our 114-hectare site provides a perfect work environment – you can enjoy the best of both worlds: a vibrant campus with the tradition of an established university.
Our Ideal Candidate
Our ideal candidate holds a BSC, MSc, or equivalent in a relevant discipline (e.g. Polymer Chemistry, Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, etc.) with experience with polymers and/or composites. Any previous work experience will be highly valued for this application. Excellent oral and written communication skills, motivation and the ability to work as part of a team is also required. Ideally, the applicant should possess:
- Experience in polymer chemistry, materials science, polymers and/or composites
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Good interpersonal skills and strong work ethics
- Independent and proactive attitude
- Ability to work as part of a team
We value diversity and inclusion, and actively encourage applications from those who bring diversity to the University. Our Diversity and Inclusion webpage contains further information if you require additional support. Accessibility requirements and/or adjustments can be made.
To apply for this position, please send you resume and cover letter to Dr Luigi Vandi [Email Address Removed] before the closing date of 03 October 2020. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis.
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