PhD Studentship: Polymer composite chemistry and biocompatibility

Project Details: A studentship is available in the group of Dr Julien Gautrot, focusing on the chemistry and biocompatibility of composites. The research will develop novel chemical routes to bio-compatible composites, in collaboration with FormFormForm (FFF), a dynamic company exploring materials design and innovation.

Composites play an essential part in modern society at many levels and in a wide range of fields, from aerodynamics, to biomaterials and sport equipment. Such wide-spread use means that many of these materials require being biocompatible in its largest sense and environmentally friendly, in the case of biomedical materials of course, but also in many other applications in which these materials are used by the general public. This project will explore novel chemical approach to generate biocompatible composites, in collaboration with FFF, the company behind the development of Sugru. The control of the materials chemistry, its stability throughout the materials lifetime and its impact on mechanical and adhesive properties will be studied.

The successful candidate will build a strong expertise in the fields of biomaterials chemistry, composites mechanical and adhesive properties and some of the applications of the resulting materials (including adhesives, fixatives and in the biomedical field). This project will be led in close collaboration with industry and it is anticipated that the student will spend time at FFF as well as developing a good understanding of product development, design and regulatory aspects. Applicants must have (or be about to obtain) a good Honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) in chemistry or materials sciences. Some background in organic synthesis or polymer synthesis is desirable.

Supervisor:  Dr J. Gautrot
Research Area:  Biomedical Engineering and Materials

QMUL Research Studentship Details

• Available to Home/EU/International Applicants
• Full Time research degree programme only
• Applicants will be required to start the degree programme in September/October 2013.
• The studentship arrangement will cover tuition fees and provide an annual stipend (£15,590 in 2012/13) for up to three years.
• The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good Honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) or MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline.
• International applicants should refer to the following website at http://www.qmul.ac.uk/international/index.html  
• If English is not your first language then you will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of 5.5 in all sections (Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking).
• Students must be able to demonstrate “a capability to undertake and benefit from research training through to completion, to the standard necessary to qualify for a PhD.”
• Some compulsory teaching responsibilities will be required.

Contact Details: For informal enquiries about this position, please contact Dr Gautrot. E-mail: j.gautrot@qmul.ac.uk

Application Method: To apply for this studentship and for entry on to the Materials Science programme (Full Time, Semester 1 start) please follow the instructions detailed in section 3 of the following webpage: http://www.sems.qmul.ac.uk/research/howtoapply/

 During the online application process you will be asked to provide details of any funding you are applying for, please be sure to include a reference to ‘2013 FFF SEMS JEG’ to associate your application with this studentship opportunity. For General Enquiries in regards to the admissions process email the School’s Research Administrator on j.hills@qmul.ac.uk

Deadline for applications: 01/06/2013