PhD in Sustainable Materials and Responsible Packaging Technologies (Australia)

The ARC Training Centre in Sustainable Materials and Responsible Technologies for Packaging (SMaRT-Pack) is offering fully-funded 3.5-year PhD opportunities in Australia, with research nodes at Monash University, Deakin University, and Queensland University of Technology (QUT). The Centre's mission is to drive Australia's transition from single-use plastics to sustainable, fibre-based packaging alternatives, supporting a circular economy through advanced research and training. PhD candidates will engage in multidisciplinary projects focused on engineering fibre packaging, optimizing fibre recycling, and developing innovative materials and technologies for responsible packaging. Research topics include blending plant-based fibres for thermoformed packaging, composting of fibre-based packaging, new coatings and impregnation of fibre forms, microplastics in soil and water, ocean composting, novel fiber-polymer composites, and more. Supervisors include leading academics such as 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. Applicants must hold a master's degree in engineering (chemical, biological, materials) or science (chemistry) and meet English literacy requirements. The program offers a dynamic PhD experience with exceptional mentoring, training, networking, and industry placements. Funding is fully provided, covering tuition and living expenses for 3.5 years. To apply, candidates should prepare an Expression of Interest (EOI) including their name, email, country of residence, qualification (with transcript), CV, and a 250-word statement on their motivation and preferred research topics. EOIs should be sent to [email protected] by 1 March 2026. For more information, visit the Monash, Deakin, or QUT websites.