Synthesis and degradation of water soluble polymers

Applications are invited for a funded PhD studentship, supervised by Prof Andrew Dove (School of Chemistry) at the University of Birmingham (group website: http://www.dovegrouplab.com). The project is part of a multi-partner EPSRC- and industry-funded prosperity partnership that is focussed understanding how polymers in formulated degrade in the environment. This is an important sustainability target and this PhD will contribute to developing understanding of how polymers degrade in the environment. This will be achieved by using state-of-the-art and innovative analytical techniques as well as simulated environments to understand how specific plastics degrade in different environments. This area is an important field of research to enable us to better understand the likely impact of current, but also, future polymers in formulations on the environment.

The project will involve research in some or all of the key areas that the group are interested:

• Synthesis of polymers with unique structures and features

• In depth characterisation of the physicochemical properties of polymers

• Studying the degradation of plastic materials under a range of conditions

• Applying and developing analytical methods to analyse the results

• Working with partners in other disciplines and industry to model the results

The project will involve several areas that can be tuned towards the successful applicant’s interests and skills and will be ideal for students that are interested in a fundamental research project with an applied goal. The work will be conducted in the £80M Molecular Science Building that opened in 2024 on the University's Edgbaston campus with full access to the world-class, state-of-the-art facilities maintained by the group and department.

Candidate requirements and application process: The successful applicant will be highly motivated, ambitious and enthusiastic. They will also possess excellent oral and written communication skills. The project is open to graduates with an undergraduate degree in Chemistry (with a minimum degree classification of a 2:1).

Informal enquiries should be directed to Prof Andrew Dove ([email protected]). Formal applications should then be made via the University of Birmingham online application portal: sits.bham.ac.uk/lpages/EPS006.htm