🔗 Project Summary

Plastic mulch films are widely used in horticulture to suppress weeds, conserve soil moisture, and improve crop yields. However, conventional polyethylene mulches persist in soils and contribute to microplastic pollution, negatively affecting soil health and biodiversity.

This PhD Seaweed Bioplastic Mulch project will investigate a novel solution by developing biodegradable mulch films derived from seaweed biomass. Working with industry partner Pure Ocean Algae, the PhD researcher will evaluate the potential of kelp-derived bioplastic mulch as both a sustainable material and a biologically active soil amendment.

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🎯 Research Objectives

The project will integrate materials science, soil ecology, and molecular biology to assess:

• How seaweed-based mulches influence soil properties
• Effects on plant productivity
• Impacts on soil biodiversity
• Greenhouse gas emissions

Experimental Approach

Laboratory and glasshouse experiments will compare seaweed-based mulches with:

• Conventional polyethylene mulches
• Current biodegradable films

Soil Health Assessment

• Organic matter
• Nutrient availability
• Water retention
• Carbon dynamics

Biodiversity Assessment

• Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding
• Soil microbial community analysis

Ecosystem Functioning

• Greenhouse gas flux measurements

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✅ Knowledge & Experience

Essential Requirements

Category	Requirements
Education	Minimum 2.1 Honours Bachelor degree in Environmental Science, Molecular Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biology, Soil Science, Agricultural Science, or related discipline
Core Knowledge	Microbiology, ecology, environmental science, biochemistry, or molecular biology
Research Skills	Understanding of experimental design and scientific research methods
Lab Experience	Laboratory-based research during undergraduate projects or internships
Data Skills	Familiarity with environmental or biological data analysis
Interest	Sustainability, agriculture, environmental monitoring, or circular bioeconomy

Desirable Requirements

• Knowledge of biomaterial formulation and characterisation
• Understanding of environmental impact assessment
• Experience with molecular biology techniques (DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis)
• Knowledge of soil science, microbial ecology, or environmental microbiology
• Familiarity with eDNA, metabarcoding, or microbiome analysis
• Experience with plant–soil systems, greenhouse trials, or environmental sampling
• Skills in statistical analysis or programming (R or Python)
• Experience handling large biological datasets or bioinformatics workflows
• Experience in multidisciplinary science

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🔬 Skills & Competencies

Essential

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to plan and conduct laboratory experiments
• Excellent organisation and time management
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Motivation for interdisciplinary research

Desirable

• Experience with bioinformatics or ecological data analysis
• Skills in scientific writing and literature review
• Experience presenting research findings
• Interest in science communication
• Ability to work across academia and industry

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🌍 English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate that they meet SETU’s English language requirements. Please provide evidence in your application.

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