Postgraduate research opportunities Leverhulme Doctoral School in Nature Inspired Acoustics – Sensors & Devices
ApplyKey facts
- Opens: Friday 1 March 2024
- Deadline: Saturday 31 August 2024
- Number of places: 7
- Duration: Four years
- Funding: International fee, Home fee, Equipment costs, Travel costs, Stipend
Overview
Acoustics broadly involves sound waves and mechanical vibrations, and they have diverse applications in science and technology that can impact society at multiple levels from energy management to business. We are seeking excellent students to pursue a PhD or a Master+PhD programme in our new interdisciplinary Leverhulme Doctoral School in Nature-Inspired Acoustics (NIA).Eligibility
First or Upper Second Class Hons degree, or MSc, in Engineering, Physics or related field.
Project Details
The new interdisciplinary Leverhulme Doctoral School in Nature-Inspired Acoustics (NIA) is seeking excellent candidates for its first cohort of PhD students.
Biomimicry studies nature's scientific principles and uses them as inspiration for designs or processes with the goal of solving human problems. The interdisciplinary research of the new doctoral school aims to pioneer discoveries in basic materials science and measurement sciences to develop technologies for creating complex biomimetic acoustic structures and to develop biomimetic sensors such as miniaturised, low-energy, insect-inspired antennae.
Within physical sciences, biologically-inspired technology in acoustics has been explored in many systems from insects to mammals. Miniaturised devices inspired by insects are potentially useful for distributed sensing, integrating a variety of sensors for acoustics, temperature, pathogens, etc. To date such state-of-the-art devices only approximately replicate the biological form rather than the complex structural and signal processing functionalities of insect systems, require a significant power supply, and are far less durable. In collaboration with the other themes within the doctoral school the sensors and devices research students will focus on developing new nature-inspired sensors integrating biomimetic structure and function and enabling low-energy distributed sensing.
Successful applicants will have a strong background in engineering or physics, with a background knowledge of research in acoustics, microscale devices, or sensors.
Successful applicants should have experience in research or a practical project at the bachelor’s or master’s level. They should further demonstrate keen intellectual curiosity and excellent communication skills to contribute to our interdisciplinary programme.
Further information
See the Leverhulme Doctoral School in Nature Inspired Acoustics website for further information
Our programme is deeply committed to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). True innovation thrives in an environment where diverse perspectives intersect, challenge, and inspire one another. We actively seek candidates from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join the NIA doctoral school. Apply now and become a catalyst for positive change in your field and beyond.
Funding details
- International fee
- Home fee
- Equipment costs
- Travel costs
- A tax-free stipend of approx. £19,162 per annum
Apply
There is a 2-stage application process. Applicants should first complete our cover letter template and send it with a detailed CV to nia-leverhulme@strath.ac.uk.
Applicants should explain their fee status, their background, interest in a specific research theme or themes, and fit to the Doctoral School as outlined in the introduction above.
Applicants successful at the first stage will be invited to an online interview.
Outcomes will be communicated by email in the week following the interview. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.
Evaluations will start March 28, 2024.
Number of places: 7
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