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- Tasks: Conduct research on chemical recycling of plastics to produce fuels and chemicals.
- Company: Join the EPSRC-funded EnerHy CDT and Sustainable Plastics Solutions community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a tax-free stipend of £20,780 and covered tuition fees for home students.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable waste management while gaining valuable research experience.
- Qualifications: Must have a first or second class UK honours degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering.
- Other info: Be prepared for independent travel and significant training opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 20780 - 20780 £ per year.
Start date: 29/09/2025
This is an exciting opportunity to study for a PhD funded by the EPSRC-funded EnerHy CDT and Sustainable Plastics Solutions. Offering an annual tax-free stipend of £20,780 and tuition fees covered for home students. The successful candidate will work on the emerging topic of chemical recycling of plastic wastes to produce liquid fuels and chemicals.
Plastic wastes are gaining increased attention, with recent or emerging policy drivers adding extra emphasis on sustainable management of waste plastics. Chemical recycling of plastics, via pyrolysis, to value-added products is a potential approach for dealing with low-grade plastic wastes with a limited conventional recycling pathway. Products include platform compounds for manufacturing, liquid fuels, including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and importantly, hydrogen. Plastics are comprised of numerous polymers, thus the products of each vary through chemical recycling processes
This project seeks to develop an in-depth understanding of the pathways of each individual polymer and polymer mixtures through a pilot-scale facility, with a specific focus on hydrogen production and utilization. Through developing an in-depth understanding of the chemical pathways, the PhD researcher will make a significant contribution to knowledge to the mechanistic understanding of thermal decomposition of polymers under varying process conditions. Furthermore, this research will focus on the development of a model, allowing for virtual testing and optimisation of the chemical recycling process. This includes potential for hydrogen recovery, and its use in the hydrogenation of pyrolytic oils to produce desirable products, including SAF precursors.
The researcher will become part of the EPSRC-funded EnerHy Centre for Doctoral Training, so will join a community of researchers and have substantial training and development opportunities. The researcher will also spend significant periods of time based at the Sustainable Plastic Solutions site, so applicants should be prepared to travel independently.
Entry requirements
Applicants should have a first or second class UK honours degree or equivalent in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline. This project would suit applicants with experience in practical working, either in a laboratory or in an industrial setting.
Funding
Sponsored by The EPSRC EnerHy CDT in collaboration with Sustainable Plastic Solutions. This studentship will provide a bursary of up to £20,780 (tax free) plus tuition fees for UK (home) students for four years.
To be eligible for this funding, applicants must be classified as a home student. We require that applicants are under no restrictions regarding how long they can stay in the UK.
Duration of Award if full time preferred*: 4 years
1st Supervisor: Dr Stuart Wagland
How to apply
For further information please contact:
Name: Dr Stuart Wagland
Email: s.t.wagland@cranfield.ac.uk
Phone: +44 1234 75 4298
If you are eligible to apply, please complete the online application form stating the Ref SWEE0293
#J-18808-Ljbffr
PhD Studentship: Chemical recycling of plastics: digital testing for product optimisation employer: Cranfield University
Contact Detail:
Cranfield University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Studentship: Chemical recycling of plastics: digital testing for product optimisation
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in chemical recycling and sustainable plastics. This will not only help you understand the project better but also allow you to engage in informed discussions during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of chemical engineering and sustainability. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to meet potential colleagues and mentors who can provide insights and possibly recommend you for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your practical experience in laboratory or industrial settings. Be ready to share specific examples of projects you've worked on, particularly those related to polymers or chemical processes, as this will demonstrate your hands-on skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Show enthusiasm for the research community at the EPSRC-funded EnerHy CDT. Highlight your eagerness to collaborate and contribute to ongoing projects, as well as your interest in the training and development opportunities they offer.
We think you need these skills to ace PhD Studentship: Chemical recycling of plastics: digital testing for product optimisation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Project: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the specifics of the PhD project. Familiarise yourself with chemical recycling, hydrogen production, and the significance of this research in sustainable plastics.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight relevant academic qualifications, particularly in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering. Include any practical experience in laboratories or industrial settings that aligns with the project focus.
Craft a Strong Personal Statement: Write a compelling personal statement that outlines your motivation for applying, your understanding of the project, and how your background makes you a suitable candidate. Be sure to mention any specific skills or experiences related to chemical recycling.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you complete the online application form accurately, referencing the job code SWEE0293. Double-check all details before submission to avoid any errors that could affect your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cranfield University
✨Know Your Research
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the chemical recycling processes, especially pyrolysis. Familiarise yourself with recent advancements in the field and be prepared to discuss how your background aligns with the project’s focus on hydrogen production and utilisation.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Highlight any practical experience you have in laboratory or industrial settings. Be ready to provide examples of projects you've worked on that relate to chemistry or chemical engineering, particularly those involving polymers or recycling.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the project and the research environment. Inquire about the specific methodologies that will be used for testing and optimisation, as well as opportunities for collaboration within the EPSRC-funded EnerHy CDT community.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion
Express your enthusiasm for sustainable practices and the importance of addressing plastic waste. Share your motivation for pursuing this PhD and how you envision contributing to the field of chemical recycling and sustainable solutions.
