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Modern life is impossible to imagine without polymers providing solutions to many critical functions and as part of everyday products, (e.g. plastics and rubbers, but also in paints, lubricants, coatings and drugs). However, intensive use of polymers brings sustainability challenges along the value chain.
Synthomer is a British manufacturer of high-performance speciality polymers and ingredients. They operate globally and serve over 6000 customers supporting the delivery of products used in, for example, adhesives, coatings, construction and speciality healthcare applications. Synthomer has made a public commitment to reach net zero by 2050, in line with the Paris Agreement.
As part of the Synthomer/University of York EPSRC Biobased Monomers for a Defossilised Speciality Polymer Industry Prosperity Partnership, this project will deliver a platform of bioderived, lower carbon footprint monomers. These value-added monomers would be intended as essential building blocks for speciality polymer products, a sector at present representing ca. 750kT of sales a year for Synthomer with a corresponding carbon footprint of over 1,000kT CO2e.
We will specifically focus on building blocks derived from biomass without competing with food-crops (waste biomass). The aim will be for the key monomers to be able to be combined (in differing ratios, and with differing additives) to give polymers with a wide range of functionality. As such, your research will involve all aspects of the development of sustainable polymers. You will develop new reactions for the synthesis of novel monomers from renewable feedstocks, investigate the polymerisation of said monomers, characterise the properties of those polymers. Mindful that just because something is biobased it will not necessarily have a lower carbon footprint than a petrochemically derived alternative, rigorous evaluation of sustainability credentials for the monomers and polymers formed will be required. Our academic-industry partnership will help ensure that the right applications are considered for each polymers.
You will be part of a dynamic team (4 PhD students, 1-2 postdoctoral research fellows, 2 academic members of staff) based at York focussing on this challenge with the support of and active engagement with the Synthomer new platforms technology team in Harlow. The links to Synthomer will facilitate the possibility of time working in Synthomer laboratories to gain industrial insights, and access to Synthomer training on Sustainability, Safety and New Product Development
Useful links:
Buchard research group: www.buchardgroup.org
Sneddon research group: Professor Helen Sneddon – Department of Chemistry, University of York
Synthomer sustainability priorities: Sustainability nearmejobs.eu Synthomer
We offer a fully-funded three year PhD programme at the Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence at York.
All project partners recognise the importance of equal participation, progression and success for all. We strive to provide a working, learning, social and living environment that will enable all our staff and students to contribute fully, to flourish and to excel – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.
You will follow our core cohort-based training programme to support the development of scientific, transferable and employability skills, as well as training on specific techniques and equipment. Training includes employability and professionalism, graduate teaching assistant training and guidance on writing papers.
https://www.york.ac.uk/chemistry/study/postgraduate-research/training-and-careers/
There will be opportunities for networking and sharing your work both within and beyond the University. Funding is provided to enable you to attend conferences and external training. The department also runs a varied and comprehensive seminar programme.
Equality and Diversity
The Department of Chemistry holds an Athena SWAN Gold Award and is committed to supporting equality and diversity for all staff and students. The Department strives to provide a working environment which allows all staff and students to contribute fully, to flourish, and to excel: https://www.york.ac.uk/chemistry/ed/ . We recognise the importance of the equal participation of women at all levels in a subject that has traditionally been, and remains, male-dominated.
We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented across the partnership.
Eligibility Criteria
You must have, or expect to gain, a minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed PhD project (usually chemistry or chemical engineering, but please get in touch if you think your qualification may be relevant). Enthusiasm for research, the ability to think and work independently, excellent analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are also essential requirements.
How to apply
Submit an online PhD in Chemistry application: https://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/courses/apply?course=DRPCHESCHE3
You will then need to provide the following information:
● A ‘Personal Statement’ (this is a mandatory field) – upload a document or write a statement directly in to the application form
● A CV
● A transcript of your marks
● The details of two academic referees
For more information about the project, click on the supervisor’s name above to email them.
For more information about the application process or funding, please click on email institution.
Guidance for applicants: https://www.york.ac.uk/chemistry/study/postgraduate-research/phd-mphil/
Number of awards 4
Start date: 15th September 2025
Award duration: 3 years
Application closing date: 2 February 2025
Sponsor EPSRC / Synthomer
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