The ARC Training Centre for Bioplastics and Biocomposites will establish South-East Queensland as a hub for world-leading research in bioplastics and biocomposites. Our team includes experts from our six industry partners, as well as academics from The University of Queensland and the Queensland University of Technology. We are truly transdisciplinary, with expertise covering chemical and materials engineering, polymer chemistry, environmental science, social science, policy and business. Our critical focus on providing training and development opportunities for PhD and early career researchers makes us an ideal choice for postdoctoral and PhD opportunities.

We are currently recruiting for 3 postodctoral positions

• School of Chemical Engineering
• Academic level A or B
• Full-time, Fixed-term position for up to 2 years
• Closing date 16 October 2022 at 11.00pm AEST (R-17224)  Applications are now closed

We will be recruiting additional post-doctoral researchers in 2023 and 2024. Watch this space, or if you would like to be notified when we advertise please email: contact@centreforbioplastics.org.au

Postdoctoral Research Fellow/Research Fellow – PHA-based blown films and advanced product development

This project seeks to develop strategies to extend the current properties of polyhydroxyalkanoates using a range of novel approaches building on our established portfolio of materials development. The aim is to produce PHA materials that are tougher, more flexible and that have strain hardening characteristics suitable for film blowing or that have other advanced characteristics for novel applications. This project will require innovation in materials synthesis and modification and is suitable for someone with either a polymer synthetic chemistry, reactive extrusion and/or synthetic organic chemistry background. Experience in rheology would be beneficial.

To discuss this role please contact Professor Bronwyn Laycock via b.laycock@uq.edu.au

Find out more and apply here

For application queries, please contact recruitment@uq.edu.au stating the job reference number in the subject line:  R-17224

Postdoctoral Research Fellow/Research Fellow – Starch-based materials development

This project seeks to develop novel materials from starch using a range of processing strategies that build on our long history of materials development and commercialisation of starch barrier film products. The aim is to produce and understand barrier performance of novel starch-based film products to advanced material properties and performance. This project will require innovation in starch materials processing and modification and is suitable for someone with a polymer chemistry, polymer engineering, and film barrier modelling. Experience in film processing and barrier performance would be beneficial. Strong characterisation and fundamental film performance skills are required.

Find out more and apply here

To discuss this role please contact Professor Peter Halley via p.halley@uq.edu.au.

For application queries, please contact recruitment@uq.edu.au stating the job reference number in the subject line: R-17223

Postdoctoral Research Fellow/Research Fellow – ARC Industrial Transformation and Training Centre for Bioplastics and Biocomposites

This project will explore the design, development and manufacture of controlled release materials based on biodegradable biopolymers, as well as the modelling of their biodegradation and release profiles. In parallel, there is an expectation that this modelling will extend to a broader impact, considering process design for biopolymer development and associated techno-economic assessment of biopolymers within the circular economy framework.

Find out more and apply here

To discuss this role please contact Professor Paul Lant via paul.lant@uq.edu.au.

For application queries, please contact recruitment@uq.edu.au stating the job reference number in the subject line:R-17220

As a PhD student with the Centre for Bioplastics, you will have the opportunity to work collaboratively with university and industry partner supervisors on research with real world impact. During your degree, you will undertake a 12 month industry placement with the industry partner.

We offer a generous scholarship package and will be recruiting for projects throughout 2022 and 2023.

Find out more about our training and development opportunities here

Find out more about our PhD scholarship opportunities here

If you would like to be notified when we advertise, please email centreforbioplastics@uq.edu.au