The ARC Training Centre in Sustainable Materials and Responsible Technologies for Packaging (SMaRT-Pack) is recruiting 11 PhD candidates for fully funded 3.5-year projects. The Centre, based at Monash University with nodes at Deakin University and Queensland University of Technology (QUT), focuses on research and training to support Australia’s transition from single-use plastics to fibre-based, sustainable packaging alternatives. Research topics span blending plant-based fibres, composting fibre-based packaging, new coatings, industrialisation of fibre packaging, paper diagnostics, microfibrillated cellulose, microplastics, ocean composting, circular fiber-polymer composites, valorized waste adhesives, sustainable packaging concepts, jet and polymer technology, and fibre recovery from wastewater.

Supervisors include Prof Rico Tabor, Prof Gil Garnier, Dr Wye Khay Fong, Prof Perran Cook, Dr Lalehvash Moghaddam, A/Prof Alessandra Sutti, Prof Colin Barrow, Prof Yang Liu, and Dr Amin Valiei, representing Monash University, Deakin University, and QUT. The program offers a dynamic, multidisciplinary PhD experience with mentoring, training, networking, and industry engagement. Applicants must hold a master’s degree in engineering (chemical, biological, materials) or science (chemistry) and meet the English literacy requirements of the participating universities. The funding covers a stipend and tuition fees for 3.5 years.

To apply, send an Expression of Interest (EOI) to [email protected], including your name, email, country of residence, qualification (with transcript), CV, and a 250-word statement on your interest and preferred topics. EOIs are open until Sunday, 1 March 2026, and will be reviewed as received. Selected candidates will be contacted for a video interview. For more information, visit the academic pages of Monash University, Deakin University, and QUT.