Newcastle University

PhD scholarship

Closing date for applications: 31st March 2015

Details: £13,863 (full-time)

Duration: 4 years

Start date: 1st October 2015

Sponsor

Akzo Nobel/International Paints Ltd

Project Description

Marine biofouling is an economic and environmental challenge on a global scale. This research will develop a new generation of non-biocidal marine coatings that resist fouling due to their inherent chemical and physical properties.

Superhydrophilic surfaces have a well-documented capacity to resist biofouling. The purpose of the project will be to determine how and why superhydrophilic surfaces resist fouling and how they may be developed into commercial marine coatings. The successful candidate will design hypothesis-driven experiments and conduct laboratory assays with model biofouling species. Surface analysis methods will be employed to investigate the materials produced and their interactions with fouling species. The candidate may also be involved in the formulation of coatings.

The School of Marine Science and Technology (MaST) is a leader in biofouling research, having participated in three large European projects (AMBIO, SEACOAT, SEAFRONT) and the US Office of Naval Research programme. The School has also secured significant capital investment to upgrade laboratory facilities and equipment. International Paint Ltd are part of the Akzo Nobel Performance Coatings business unit and a global leader in marine and protective coatings.

The successful candidate will be based in MaST, but will work closely with researchers at the International Paint Technology Centre in Felling, providing experience in both academic and industrial environments. 

Name of the Supervisor(s)

Dr Nick Aldred, (Newcastle University)
Professor Tony Clare, (Newcastle University)
Dr Ian Millichamp (Akzo Nobel/International Paint Ltd)

Person Specification and Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should have a 1st or upper 2nd class BSc (Hons) in a relevant discipline and a Masters Degree would be desirable. The project will be multidisciplinary and may appeal to biologists with interests in industrial applications and the physical sciences, or a chemist/chemical/materials engineer working at the life-science interface.

Please note that this studentship is available to UK/EU and international students. However only UK/EU fees are covered as part of this award.

How to Apply

You must apply through the University’s online postgraduate applicant form.  Only mandatory fields need to be completed. However you will need to include the following information:
• Insert the programme code 8070F in the 'programme of study' section 
• Select PhD in Marine Science & Technology - Marine Science 
• Insert the studentship code MA021 
• Attach a covering letter and CV.  The covering letter must state the title of the studentship, reference code MA021 and how your interests and experience relate to the project
• Attach degree transcripts and certificates and, if English is not your first language, a copy of your English language qualifications
• You should send your covering letter & CV to Dr Aldred, Research Associate, School of Marine Science and Technology, Ridley Building, Newcastle University, NE1 7RU.

Further Information

Please contact either Dr N Aldred (Nicholas.aldred@ncl.ac.uk) or Professor A Clare (tony.clare@ncl.ac.uk) for informal enquiries.

Last modified: Fri, 06 Mar 2015 18:05:05 GMT