A new PhD research opportunity connected directly to the SOWISE+ project is now available through project partner Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology.
The PhD project, titled “Flagship sustainable by design circular composite bioplastics”, will contribute to key SOWISE+ research activities and focus on developing high-performance circular bioplastics based on PHBV and recovered cellulose.
Turning waste-derived materials into high-value bioplastics
Within its Biopolymers from Water research theme, Wetsus develops technologies for the production and recovery of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), using wastewater and organic residual streams as renewable feedstocks.
PHAs offer significant potential as bio-based and biodegradable materials, but their production costs and variable material properties remain important challenges for wider industrial application.
The new PhD research will address this challenge by exploring how recovered PHA can be combined with high-quality cellulose to create composite bioplastics with controlled properties, competitive performance and improved commercial potential.
Working within an international research network
The successful candidate will work within the Wetsus Biopolymers from Water research theme and collaborate closely with Dutch and international partners involved in SOWISE+.
The supervisory team includes Dr Alan Werker, Biopolymers from Water Theme Leader at Wetsus, Dr Carlos Contreras Davila, Scientific Project Manager at Wetsus, and Prof. Katja Loos from the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Groningen.
Candidates should hold a Master’s degree in chemical engineering, polymer science or a closely related discipline and have experience or a strong interest in materials science, polymer processing, data analysis and polymer characterisation. The position is particularly suited to researchers interested in interdisciplinary, experimental work and the development of circular bio-based materials.
Interested in joining the research behind SOWISE+?
The PhD position offers an opportunity to contribute directly to the development of new circular composite bioplastics while working within an international European research and innovation project.
More information about the position, candidate profile and application procedure: https://www.phdpositionswetsus.eu/2026-18-phd-project/