PhD Studentship in Mixed Plastic Recycling: The Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences is offering a fully funded PhD studentship focused on developing a mechanochemical depolymerisation technique to recycle mixed plastic waste into high-value commodity chemicals. Join a dynamic research team and contribute to addressing the pressing global plastic waste crisis.
PhD Studentship in Mixed Plastic Recycling via Mechanochemical Depolymerisation
Designation
PhD Studentship
Research Area
Mechanochemical Recycling, Environmental Engineering, Plastic Circular Economy
Location
University of Surrey, UK
Eligibility/Qualification
- Candidates must hold at least an upper second-class degree or equivalent in a relevant subject area (e.g., Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering).
- A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline and additional research experience is an advantage.
- Open to candidates who pay UK/home rate fees.
- Strongly encouraged applications from under-represented groups, including Female, Black, Asian, or minoritised ethnic communities.
Job Description
As a PhD candidate, your responsibilities will include:
- Building the mechanocatalytic reaction platform and establishing reaction protocols.
- Introducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) to optimize product yield using high-throughput testing and Bayesian optimization.
- Exploring reaction mechanisms with advanced characterization techniques.
- Expanding the reactant feed to include mixed PE/PP/PVC plastics for selective product recovery.
Join the Surrey Circular Economy Group and engage in interdisciplinary collaboration, while receiving mentorship for career development.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted via the Engineering Materials PhD program page. Please upload a document stating the title of the project you wish to apply for, along with the name of the relevant supervisor.
Last Date for Application
20 March 2026
This position offers full funding, including home university fees, additional research training, travel funds, and a UKRI standard rate stipend (£21,805 for the 2026/27 academic year). For further inquiries, please contact Dr. Hui Luo at hui_luo@surrey.ac.uk.
