Julianne Megaw

🚨 PhD opportunity in microbiology , materials science , and environmental sustainability at Queen's University Belfast . The project, titled “Can bio-based additives enhance microbial recruitment and degradation of plastics without compromising performance?” , will investigate whether components inspired by natural polymers can promote microbial colonisation and improve plastic biodegradation while preserving key material properties. The student will work on developing and characterising novel composite plastics, then testing how microbial communities interact with and degrade them. The research sits at the intersection of plastic biodegradation, biofilms, archaea, microbial-plastic interactions, and sustainable approaches to plastic waste management. This is a fully funded PhD supported by the BBSRC-funded NorthWestBio DTP . The post is open to UK and international applicants . Interested applicants should review the full project details and application information via the application link. The poster invites interested candidates to contact Julianne Megaw to discuss the project further.