PhD Studentship: Post-Consumer Polymers for a Supply Chain Circular Economy
Engineering and Technology,Production Engineering and Manufacturing,Economics,Business and Management Studies,Management,Business Studies,Other Business and Management Studies
Short info about job
Company: University of Northampton
Hours: Full Time
Type / Role: PhD
Phone: +44-1332 2736114
Fax: +44-1332 3530151
E-mail: N\A
Site: N\A
Detail information about job PhD Studentship: Post-Consumer Polymers for a Supply Chain Circular Economy. Terms and conditions vacancy
Salary: £15000 p.a. (including £1000 research expenses) and tuition fees for 3 years. Please note, the award covers tuition fees at the UK/EU rate only; those not eligible to pay UK/EU tuition fees must demonstrate that they can fund the difference.
Overview:In 2013, the manufacturing of electrical and electronics equipment (EEE) in Europe alone consumed 2.59 Mt1 of fossil fuels for plastics. Depending on the product group, EEE contains between 10 and 80 weight-% of high-tech plastics, and while the systems for collection, sorting and recycling of bulk scrap metals from WEEE are already well established, this is not true for plastics. Most of these plastics at end of life end up for example in incineration plants, landfills, or at best are down-cycled and used for low-end thick walled applications. As such, overall recycling rates of WEEE plastics and reapplication original applications, e.g. in new EEE, is to date still very low.
In meeting the needs of the challenges associated with end of life plastics, Prof Margaret Bates (Faculty of Arts, Science & Technology) and Assoc. Professor Liam Fassam (Institute of Logistics, Infrastructure, Supply & Travel) at the University of Northampton, have designed and been awarded a research grant from the European Commission (Horizon 2020) to work with stakeholders such as Fraunhofer, United Nations University and Phillips (amongst others) on ground breaking research. Key objectives of PolyCE being to demonstrate holistic circular economy solutions based on re-design of value and supply chain for plastics contained in WEEE. PolyCE will contribute to the development of value-added solutions that will act as a driver for increasing EU competitiveness and move European societies towards sustainability.
This research is crucial in mitigating societal risk to communities locally and globally, with outcomes of this study feeding into closed loop circular economy processes across Europe and beyond.
Applications: Applications are welcomed from candidates with a first degree (first, upper second or equivalent) or Master’s degree in a relevant subject. The applicant must have excellent oral and written English skills and experience in conducting research, including research methods training. You will need to provide full details of your employment and education history. The successful applicant will be confident, assertive and resilient; and have relevant experience.
Interviews: 25th SeptemberStart date: 23rd OctoberInformal enquiries: Email Mr Liam Fassam
Apply online using the keyword ‘UN17POLYCE’