Optimisation of bioresources, technologies and markets for bioplastics – PhD Scholarship

What you’ll receive

You’ll receive a stipend scholarship of $34,938 per annum for a maximum duration of 4 years while undertaking a QUT PhD. This includes the possibility of two 6 month extensions if approved for your candidature.  This is the full-time, tax-free rate which will index annually.

• a possible top-up scholarship
• 12-month industry placement
• if you’re an international student, you will also receive a tuition fee sponsorship for your research degree
• as a Centre student you will receive mentoring from academic and industry leaders, access internal funding opportunities, and gain real world experience.

Eligibility

• You need to meet the entry requirements for a QUT Doctor of Philosophy including any English language requirements
• first-class honours (H1) or equivalent
• skills or experience in chemical/process engineering, environmental engineering and or economics
• alignment with ARC Training Centre for Bioplastics and Biocomposites.

How to apply

• Expressions of interest are invited from outstanding Australian and international graduates with a passion for global sustainability and excellent written and verbal communication skills
• the first step is to email Prof Ian O’Hara detailing your academic and research background, detailing your research project / theme of interest, and how your experience aligns with our vision. Include your curriculum vitae with evidence of research writing, and your academic transcripts
• if supported to apply, you will then submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)  for admission to a QUT Doctor of Philosophy following the advice at How to apply for a research degree
• in your EOI, nominate Prof Ian O’Hara as your proposed principal supervisor, and copy the link to this scholarship website into question 2 of the financial details section.

About the scholarship

About the project: Optimisation of bioresources, technologies and markets for bioplastics

A viable bioplastics industry integrates innovation in bioresources, production technologies and supply chains to produce biodegradable and / or recyclable products with large scale market applications. The potential for commercial developments in this sector will be enhanced through improving our understanding of optimised technology pathways. This project will examine the interrelationships between bioresources, technologies and markets and the impact on bioplastics commercialisation. It will combine resource analysis, supply optimisation, techno-economic and environmental life cycle assessments (TE-LCA) to identify scenarios for viable and sustainable production of bioplastics in Australia.

About us: The Australian Research Council (ARC) Training Centre for Bioplastics and Biocomposites

There is unprecedented growth in demand for bioderived and biodegradable materials. The new $13M ARC Training Centre in Bioplastics and Biocomposites will capitalise on Australia’s abundant natural bioresources to drive advances in technology for the development of bioplastic and biocomposite products for the new bioeconomy. We are a collaboration between industry, The University of Queensland (UQ) and Queensland University of Technology (QUT). We have a critical focus on providing an exceptional PhD experience.

With unique polymer processing, scale-up and analytical facilities along with extensive polymer characterisation and degradation capabilities, the research environments at UQ and QUT deliver exceptional laboratory opportunities and expertise to our students.

Find out about some of our other projects here .

Have a question?  Please email Dr Lisa Pope , Centre Manager