Catalysis, polymer chemistry and recycling
The University of St Andrews and Macquarie University are pleased to offer a scholarship funded by both institutions to support an exceptional student undertaking doctoral research.
This interdisciplinary PhD project is based in the areas of catalysis, polymer chemistry, recycling, batteries, and life cycle/techno economic assessment.
Key details
- 20268949
- PhD
- Expressions of interest open now until 18 December 2026
- Domestic, International
- Science
- AUD$40,900 (2027 rate) while on Macquarie University campus; £20,467 per annum pro rata while on University of St Andrews campus
About the scholarship
The project will focus on developing new catalysts and methodologies for the transformation of renewable alcohols such as glycerol to polymers using organometallic catalysts and photocatalysts as well as explore their potential application in batteries and conduct life cycle/technoeconmic assessment.
The candidate will receive comprehensive, hands-on training in:
- synthetic chemistry
- catalytic process optimisation/development
- polymer synthesis and characterisation
- high-pressure reactions
- mechanistic studies
- several analytical techniques, in particular GPC, GC-MS, GC-TCD, NMR spectroscopy and XRD.
Additionally, the student will gain skills in conducting technoeconomic and life cycle analysis.
The position offers an exceptional opportunity to gain expertise across multiple cutting-edge areas of inorganic, organic and polymer chemistry/recycling as well as process assessment while contributing to impactful research in sustainability.
This project will be co-supervised by:
- Dr Amit Kumar (St Andrews)
- Professor Vladimir Strezov (Macquarie).
Additionally, the project will have two collaborators:
- Dr Rob Armstrong (St Andrews)
- Professor Yijiao Jiang (Macquarie).
Candidate profile
We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated candidate who:
- holds (or expects to obtain) a first-class or upper second-class (2.1) Master of Science degree (or equivalent) in chemistry, chemical engineering or a closely related field
- demonstrates strong interest in synthetic chemistry, homogeneous/heterogeneous catalysis, polymer chemistry and sustainable chemistry
- has experience in the synthesis and characterisation of novel organic/organometallic compounds and polymers
- works well independently and as part of a collaborative research team and has strong communication skills.
Eligibility
Admission and scholarship criteria of both universities must be met.
- For St Andrews, refer to how to apply and entry requirements.
- For Macquarie University, refer to PhD entry and English language requirements and graduate research scholarship eligibility criteria.
Mode of study
Full-time
Year of entry
2027-2028 academic year (St Andrews), 2027 academic year (Macquarie).
Students will enrol at both institutions from the outset. In terms of their location for study, two entry points for students are available:
- If beginning at St Andrews, 27 September 2027 or 27 January 2028.
- If beginning at Macquarie, 1 October 2027 or 1 February 2028.
Additional criteria
Applicants must not already:
- hold a doctoral degree
- be matriculated for a doctoral degree at the University of St Andrews, Macquarie University, or another institution.
Duration of award
The scholarship duration is up to 3.5 years. The student will be expected to spend half of the award term at the University of St Andrews and half at Macquarie University. The successful candidate will be expected to have completed the doctorate degree by the end of the award term. The award term excludes the continuation period and any extension periods.
Funding
Funding arrangements are made on the basis that:
- For the period spent at the University of St Andrews, the scholarships will comprise a full tuition fee award and an annual stipend paid at a rate set by the University of St Andrews. For 2026 to 2027, the stipend is £20,467 per annum pro rata. The 2027-2028 rate will be published as soon as possible.
- Macquarie will fund a living allowance scholarship per position at an annual rate of AU$40,900 (2027 rate, tax exempt), paid pro-rata while the student is in Australia. A tuition fee scholarship will be granted for the period of joint enrolment up to 42 months. Macquarie will also provide:
- an airfare allowance for flights between the UK and Australia up to a maximum of $4000 AUD to be arranged by the Graduate Research Academy
- a Single Overseas Student Health Cover with Macquarie’s preferred provider.
Unless otherwise specified, the scholarships do not cover:
- any continuation, extension or resubmission period/fees.
- a research training grant or another equivalent award for research expenses.
- support for travel, immigration, health insurance and related charges between the partner institutions.
Submit your expression of interest (EOI) to:
- Dr Amit Kumar (St Andrews supervisor) at ak336@st-andrews.ac.uk
- Professor Vladimir Strezov (Macquarie supervisor) at vladimir.strezov@mq.edu.au
- cc gr.globalprograms@mq.edu.au.
The participating schools at St Andrews and the Graduate Research Academy at Macquarie in coordination with the academic supervisors will complete the selection process.
EOI documents to be submitted:
- CV including information about publications
- transcripts of most relevant/recent degrees
- information about thesis components (thesis mark, word count, weight/length in comparison to the degree overall)
- statement of suitability as a candidate for the project (max 500 words)
- indication that the student meets the English language requirements for entry into a PhD program at both universities, or willingness to obtain relevant English language proficiency test results.
The Global Office at St Andrews will work with the Graduate Research Academy at Macquarie to arrange official notification of scholarship awards, invite scholarship awardees to formally apply for admission to both universities by the beginning of April 2027, and conclude contractual arrangements which must be in place prior to the start of the degree.
Students who are nominated for the award will be asked to formally apply for the relevant PhD course code and Cotutelle/joint PhD scholarship through the Macquarie application portal.