Applications are invited for a Master’s Student to work in collaboration with the Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Engineering on the project SMARTSPACK. The student will join the supervisory team, which will be composed of Dr Ing. Paul Refalo (main supervisor) and Dr Margaret Camilleri Fenech (co-supervisor). The role of the M.Sc. by Research student will be primarily to conduct a thorough life-cycle assessment (LCA) on different packaging solutions generated in the SMARTSPACK project.
The SMARTSPACK project, which is led by Prof. Ing. Philip Farrugia, aims to develop a novel, sustainable packaging solution, in two application sectors, food and pharmaceutical packaging. The developed solutions will be assessed using LCA in order to identify and quantify which design features and product lifecycle stages have the highest impacts on the environment.
1. Applicants must be in possession of a B.Eng. (Honours) degree (Second Class Upper Division or higher) in Mechanical Engineering. Preference will be given to candidates providing evidence of proficiency in sustainable engineering and manufacturing. Students who are currently in their final year of the undergraduate Mechanical Engineering programme will also be considered, subject to successful completion of their programme of studies in line with the requirements outlined here.
2. The scholarship has a duration of one year, with a further extension of 6 months. The selected candidate will be required to start their studies on a full-time basis in October 2023 and will be receiving a scholarship of €500 per month for one year from January 2024. The tuition fee for the first year of studies for local candidates (up to Eur400) will be covered from the SMARTSPACK project. Further information on applicable fees are available online.
3. In case of either extension or suspension of studies, the candidate shall still receive scholarship of €500 per month, provided that i) the maximum allocated funds to the scholarship from the project are not exceeded and ii) the timeframe of the studies is still within the duration of the SMARTSPACK project.
4. The Scholarship will be subject to the eligibility of the candidates to meet the entry requirements set out by the University of Malta and the conditions for enrolling in the Master’s by research programme which are available online.
5. International applicants are required to present an internationally recognized English Language proficiency Certificate at the required level. Further details are available . International applicants are also advised to familiarise themselves with information available on the of the International Office, particularly to the sections concerning visas and e-residence permit conditions and requirements. International candidates will need to provide assurance that they have the funds available to cover their stay in Malta. The stipend awarded for this scholarship is to be considered as a form of allowance and will not cover all the costs attached to studying and living in Malta.
6. Candidates should submit their letter of application, a copy of their curriculum vitae, copies of their certificates and contact details (including e-mail address) of 2 referees. Applications may be sent by email. Applications should be received by not later than noon of 5 May 2023. International candidates are required to present certified translations of their qualifications into English. Late applications will not be considered.
Note: The scholarship awardee will be required to complete a Master’s by Research application, which is considered separately.
7. Further information may be obtained by contacting Dr Ing. Paul Refalo by sending an email.
