2015 Industrial PhD Scholarship – University of Auckland

Eco-friendly antifouling co-biocides

A unique opportunity has arisen to start a fully funded PhD project under the supervision of Distinguished Professor Margaret Brimble at the University of Auckland, in close collaboration with the Cawthron Institute, international partnerships and an industry-partner, in the sector of marine biofouling.

Marine biofouling, the accumulation of micro and macroscopic organisms on surfaces submerged in the sea, is a universal problem that has traditionally been controlled using biocide-laced paints. However, these paints often have unacceptable environmental impacts; several antifouling formulations have been outlawed and remaining formulations face increasing regulatory scrutiny.

Companies supplying marine antifouling formulations must seek alternative biocides that strike a balance between controlling marine overgrowth and environmental impacts.

This project’s goal is to develop “eco-friendly” co-biocides that work in synergy with existing primary biocides.

Co-biocides should preferably be biodegradable, metal free organic compounds that are nontoxic to the marine environment and will not be banned within the, up to 10 year, life expectancy of a formulation. Some natural compounds fulfil these criteria but they are typically available in limited quantities and are cost-prohibitive.

Developing synthetic analogs suitable for production at an industrial scale would overcome these logistic hurdles. We have identified two natural, contact-active antifouling biocides that could form the basis for new synthetic co-biocides.

Background

This industry-based PhD is offered by the Biocide ToolBox (University of Auckland), in close collaboration with the Cawthron Institute (Nelson, NZ), an international partner and an industry-partner, major international coatings supplier with whom the student will be greatly involved.

This is a Callaghan Innovation funded industrial project – the student will be expected to spend about a third of the overall project time within the company, and gain major industry experience and professional development.

Selection Criteria

The successful applicant will have a BSc(Hons) or MSc in Organic Chemistry, as well as an interest in marine biology and awillingness to learn techniques related to antifouling testing, ecotoxicology, and paint formulation.

The candidate must also meet the eligibility criteria to enrol at the University of Auckland.

Funding

Fully-funded project – standard stipend NZD$25,000pa + travel allowance.

Location: Auckland, New Zealand

Application deadline: 30 August 2015

Read more and apply here.