About the Project
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 and biocomposites. The successful candidate will be working under the supervision of Dr Luigi Vandi, A/Prof Bronwyn Laycock, and A/Prof Steven Pratt to undertake their PhD as a member of the Translational Polymer Research Group, within the Centre for Advanced Materials Processing and Manufacturing. The 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 industry partners.
The successful Candidate will work on the latest biopolymers to develop new blends of polymers and biocomposites to facilitate industry’s transition to a biobased and circular economy. During the course of the PhD, the candidate will gain a fundamental understanding on the interactions between biopolymers and natural fibres/fillers, and work with industry-relevant manufacturing processes. 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.
The project is co-funded through a collaboration between the Queensland Government, industry partners and end-users. The candidate will be working closely with our industry partners, present their work to company directors, and travel within Australia for yearly industry meetings. Throughout the course of their PhD the candidate will be exposed to a broad network of industries with an interest in biopolymers and biocomposites. The position will also offer a high level of reward, aimed at delivering real products being implemented into market. The candidate will also have the opportunity to attend international conference to present their research.
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. Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, etc.) with experience with polymers and/or composites. Any industry 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 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
To discuss this role please contact Dr Luigi Vandi [Email Address Removed].
You must apply for this position before the closing date of 23 August 2020. To apply, please use the link below (Supervisor must be set to ’Luigi Vandi’, and select ‘UQ Earmarked Scholarship for the scholarship funding source):
https://scholarships.uq.edu.au/scholarship/earmarked-scholarships-support-category-1-project-grants#qt-scholarship_tabs-foundation-tabs-2
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 directed to [Email Address Removed].
Due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, we strongly encourage applicants that are already in Australia (both domestic and international applicants) to apply.
Funding Notes
This project is fully funded, with a Living stipend of $28,092 per annum tax free (2020 rate), indexed annually, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). There is also possibility for an additional top-up scholarship for talented and high-performing candidates.
The duration is 3 years with the possibility of two 6-month extensions in approved circumstances.
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