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South East Technological University

PhD in Development, Optimisation and Environmental Validation of Seaweed-Based Biofoams as Sustainable Alternatives to Polystyrene Flotation Materials South East Technological University in Ireland

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Biochemistry

Funding

Funded PhD scholarship for 4 years, full-time. Stipend is €22,500 per annum, tuition/fees of €5,750 per annum are covered, and research costs of €3,000 per annum are provided.

Deadline

Oct 5, 2026

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Country

Ireland

University

South East Technological University

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Keywords

Biochemistry
Environmental Science
Chemical Engineering
Materials Science
Biology
Marine Biology
Circular Economy
Foam
Biomaterials
Biopolymers

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About this position

PhD opportunity at South East Technological University (Carlow), Ireland in seaweed-based biofoams, biopolymers, marine foams, materials science, chemical engineering, and environmental science.

This funded PhD project focuses on developing, optimising, and environmentally validating scalable seaweed-derived biofoams as sustainable alternatives to expanded polystyrene (EPS) flotation materials used in marine applications. The research combines formulation and optimisation of novel biomaterials with mechanical performance testing, durability and buoyancy evaluation, and comprehensive material characterisation.

The project also includes environmental assessment through degradation studies under marine conditions, ecotoxicity testing, and investigation of potential impacts on marine biodiversity. Promising formulations will be scaled up into semi-pilot-scale flotation blocks and validated in operational marina environments in collaboration with industry. A life cycle cost assessment will compare the new materials with conventional polystyrene systems across production, deployment, maintenance, and end-of-life stages.

Eligibility highlights: applicants should hold at least a 2:1 honours degree in materials science, materials engineering, biology, biochemistry, or a related field. Strong laboratory research experience, fundamental biochemistry knowledge, and an interest in sustainability, biomaterials, or circular bioeconomy research are expected. An MSc is desirable. SETU English language requirements apply for non-native English speakers.

Funding: full-time PhD scholarship for 4 years, with a stipend of €22,500 per year, fees of €5,750 per year covered, and €3,000 per year for research costs.

Application window: closing date is Monday, 5 October 2026 at 4pm Irish time. Start date is January 2027.

Funding details

Funded PhD scholarship for 4 years, full-time. Stipend is €22,500 per annum, tuition/fees of €5,750 per annum are covered, and research costs of €3,000 per annum are provided.

What's required

Honours degree minimum 2:1 in materials science, materials engineering, biology, biochemistry, or a related discipline. Applicants should have fundamental knowledge of biochemistry, a basic understanding of experimental design and scientific research methods, and experience in laboratory-based research during undergraduate projects or internships. An interest in sustainability, biomaterials, or circular bioeconomy research is required. An MSc in sustainability, materials science/engineering, biology, or biochemistry is desirable. Additional desirable experience includes biomaterials formulation and characterisation, material testing, microbial ecology or environmental microbiology, statistical analysis or programming (R or Python), multidisciplinary teamwork, scientific writing, literature review, presentations, and stakeholder engagement. Non-native English speakers must meet SETU English language requirements and provide evidence for shortlisting.

How to apply

Complete the online application form on the SETU website and quote the advert reference number. Upload all supporting documents with your submission. For informal queries, contact Dr Adriana Neves by email; application and admissions queries go to the Postgraduate Admissions Office.

More information can be found here

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