EPS2021/26: Tracking the fate of plastic biodegradation under environmentally relevant conditions

Heriot-Watt University has now created scholarship opportunities in the School of Engineering & Physical Sciences for 2021-22. 

Requirements

All applicants must have or expect to have a 1st class MChem, MPhys, MSci, MEng or equivalent degree by Autumn 2021. Selection will be based on academic excellence and research potential, and all short-listed applicants will be interviewed (in person or via Microsoft Teams). Most of these scholarships are only open to UK/EU applicants and for

students who meet residency requirements set out by EPSRC

https://epsrc.ukri.org/skills/students/guidance-on-epsrc-studentships/eligibility/  For some projects, applications may be accepted for exceptional overseas applicants.

This project aims to identify the biological and geochemical/physical processes involved in controlling the fate of plastics (of different polymer types) under different environmental settings. It will utilise sophisticated techniques in microbial ecology, such as DNA-based stable-isotope probing (DNA-SIP), to trace the fate of isotopically-labelled plastics through biological systems; a focus will be on the microorganisms participating in this process as they are commonly the protagonists in the fate of pollutants, like plastics, in the environment. A major benefit in applying SIP-based methods is in the ability to link phylogenetic identity with a specific metabolic function, in which respect this is the biodegradation of plastics.

How to Apply

1. Important Information before you Apply

When applying through the Heriot-Watt on-line system please ensure you provide the following information:

(a) in ‘Study Option’

You will need to select ‘Edinburgh’ and ‘Postgraduate Research’. ‘Programme’ presents you with a drop-down menu. Choose Chemistry PhD, Physics PhD, Chemical Engineering PhD, Mechanical Engineering PhD, Bio-science & Bio-Engineering PhD or Electrical PhD as appropriate and select September 2020 for study option (this can be updated at a later date if required)

(b) in ‘Research Project Information’

You will be provided with a free text box for details of your research project. Enter Title and Reference number of the project for which you are applying and also enter the potential supervisor’s name.

This information will greatly assist us in tracking your application.

Please note that once you have submitted your application, it will not be considered until you have uploaded your CV and transcripts.

2. Applications

Applications must be made through the Heriot-Watt on-line

application system, https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/apply/uk/postgraduate.htm

3. Closing Date

All applications must be received by Sunday 14th February 2021. All successful candidates will usually be expected to commence their studies in September/October 2021.