PhD Studentships in Tribology

(EPSRC funded project)

Applications are invited for a research studentship in the field of Tribology, leading to the award of a PhD degree. The post is supported by a bursary and fees (at the UK/EU student rate) provided by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. The studentship is for three years starting summer 2013.  

The research will focus on boundary films, which are protective surface layers that form on rubbing components such as bearings and gears. Boundary films are an increasingly important means of reducing friction and wear and hence improving machine efficiency; however, the mechanisms by which they form are poorly understood. In order to help understand boundary film formation, the PhD project will develop equipment to detect phenomena known collectively as “triboemission”, (i.e. the emission of photons, electron and other energetic particles that occur at the contacting high spots between sliding components), since these are believed to play a key role in film formation.  The project will also involve collaboration with researchers specialising in fluoresce and infrared microscopy techniques to monitor these boundary films as they form. 

The PhD will be based in Tribology Group at Imperial College London. This is one of the largest Tribology research groups in the world, with extensive experimental and numerical research facilities and an international reputation for research excellence. The Group includes a number of PhD students, post-doctoral researchers and academic staff, who perform both fundamental and applied research, and offers a vibrant and multicultural working environment.

The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic and self-motivated person who meets the academic requirements for enrolment for the PhD degree at Imperial College London.  You will have a background in Mechanical, Aeronautical or Chemical Engineering, Material Science, Physics, Chemistry or a related field together with a strong intellect and an enquiring approach to research.  Excellent team-working, analytical and communication skills are also essential. Training will be given in tribology and investigative techniques including optical interferometry, advanced material characterisation, and surface topography measurements. The studentships will provide the opportunity to become a skilled communicator, comfortable in an international environment at a world-leading institution. 

To find out more about research at Imperial College London in this area, go to: http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/mechanicalengineering

For information on how to apply, please click the APPLY button below.

For further details of the post contact Dr Tom Reddyhoff at t.reddyhoff@imperial.ac.uk or +44 (0)20 7594 3840.  Interested applicants should send an up-to-date curriculum vitae to Dr Reddyhoff on the above e-mail address citing “Tribology PhD Studentship” in the email title. Suitable candidates will be required to complete an electronic application form at Imperial College London in order for their qualifications to be addressed by College Registry.

Closing date: 31^st May 2013

Committed to equality and valuing diversity. We are also an Athena Bronze SWAN Award winner, a Stonewall Diversity Champion and a Two Ticks Employer