Join BonLab as a PhD student in 2027

We are looking for enthusiastic, dedicated people to join BonLab as PhD students. Start dates are mid- to late 2027. Do you have what it takes to work at the forefront in sustainable polymer and colloid chemical engineering? 

You will be working under the guidance of prof. dr. ir. Stefan A. F. Bon on an exciting 4-year project, often in collaboration with industry in the area of polymer and colloid science. We have a number of fully funded opportunities available in my team:

Project 1: Nanoplastics in Fresh Water Systems (Applications must be submitted by 23:59 GMT on Wednesday 6th January 2027.)

This is a collaborative project between my team and the team of prof. Soroush Abolfathi (School of Engineering) and focuses on the fate of polymer colloids in freshwater systems, such as streams, rivers, and lakes, as well as wet soil environments. You will fabricate a range of commercially relevant polymer colloids used in coatings, adhesives, etc. We will analyse their long-term stability and fate from different angles. We will examine how external factors influence these particles and how they change/degrade over time. We will investigate how these particles behave in model “live” freshwater systems by looking at their transport behaviour. We hope to develop a scientific understanding of their behaviour. More detailed information can be found here.

Enquiries, which should include a CV with the names of two referees, should be made to prof. dr. ir. Stefan A. F Bon (s.bon@warwick.ac.uk)

Requirements:

An eligible student must hold, or be predicted to obtain, at least a 2.1 4-year degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, or an equivalent scientific discipline. Exceptional students with a 3 year BSc degree will also be considered. This studentship is open to UK nationals and those of equivalent status (fees paid, plus annum stipend). The award is available for 3.5 years.

Project 2:  Precision Engineering of Emulgels for Controlled Nutrient Delivery in Sustainable Agriculture (Applications must be submitted by 23 November 2026)

This is a collaborative project between my team and dr. Joe Webber and prof. Tom Montenegro-Johnson (dept. of Mathematics) will deal with studying the transport phenonema in emulgels, hydrogels that contain oil droplets, with the aim to apply these in sustainable agriculture as delivery systems. More information can be found here.

Enquiries, which should include a CV with the names of two referees, should be made to prof. dr. ir. Stefan A. F Bon (s.bon@warwick.ac.uk)

Requirements:

An eligible student must hold, or be predicted to obtain, at least a 2.1 4-year degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, or an equivalent scientific discipline. Exceptional students with a 3 year BSc degree will also be considered. This studentship is open to UK nationals and those of equivalent status (fees paid, plus annum stipend). The award is available for 3.5 years.

Project 3: Open Warwick Scholarship competition and for you to co-design with BonLab (Warwick Chemistry Post Graduate Scholarships, deadline 7 December 2026)

Warwick University runs annual applicant-led scholarship schemes: Chancellors Scholarship, China Scholarship Council (CSC) Joint Scholarship, and Pathways & Sanctuary Scholarships. More information. For you to join us as one of these you HAVE to meet ALL of the following criteria:

☐ Outstanding academic achievement.

First Class UG degree or International Equivalent, Distinction at Masters level, strong class rank, high marks across transcript.

☐ Institutional Standing.

Highly regarded institution and/or strong evidence of excellence relative to peers at that institution.

☐ Research Experience.

Research projects, laboratory experience, internships, placements, industry experience.

☐ Research Potential.

Evidence of independence, critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, intellectual curiosity.

☐ Project Fit.

Clear alignment between applicant’s background and proposed PhD project.

☐ Academic References*

Detailed and enthusiastic references that distinguish the applicant from peers.

☐ Additional Indicators of Excellence**

Publications, presentations, prizes, scholarships, awards, outreach, leadership activities.

Enquiries, which should include a CV, how you address all of the points above, and the names of two referees, should be made to prof. dr. ir. Stefan A. F Bon (s.bon@warwick.ac.uk)

Requirements:

This studentship is open to students of any nationality. The award is available for 3.5 years.