Postgraduate research opportunities Towards 3D-printing of self-assembled insect-mimetic acoustic structures
ApplyKey facts
- Opens: Friday 8 March 2024
- Number of places: Up to 2
- Duration: 48 months
- Funding: Home fee, Travel costs, Stipend
Overview
This interdisciplinary project will pioneer novel materials to better mimic the complex acoustic structures of insect hearing. The project will pursue a hybrid “top-down” 3D printing and “bottom-up” self-assembly approach enabled by recent developments in the supervisors’ labs and characterization of insect-mimetic acoustic membranes. The student will join the Leverhulme Doctoral School in Nature Inspired Acoustics. PhD & masters+PhD scholarships are available.Eligibility
For the 4yr PhD, applicants are expected to hold or anticipate holding a bachelor’s or (preferably) masters degree at a level equivalent to a UK 2:1 or higher, in a relevant discipline including but not limited to chemistry, materials science and engineering, molecular biosciences, biophysics, and device engineering. They should demonstrate experience in some or all of the following skills: synthetic chemical procedures, chemical and materials characterization, and data analysis based on chemical, biophysical, biochemical, and/or engineering principles. They should demonstrate interest in one or more of the following areas: materials chemistry, bioinspired materials, chemical synthesis and purification, molecular biosciences, and electrical and electronic engineering.
For the 5yr masters+PhD, a bachelor’s degree at a level equivalent to a UK 2:1 or higher is required. The discipline of the current degree is less relevant but the candidate should be able to demonstrate abilities in using the scientific method, experience in project work and/or working towards a long-term goal, and genuine interest in the topics of the research school (i.e., themes relevant to nature inspired acoustics).
All candidates should further demonstrate excellent communication skills, time management, proficiency in technical writing, and aptitude in working collaboratively.
Project Details
We are seeking excellent candidates for 4-yr PhD scholarships to pursue an exciting interdisciplinary project that will pioneer novel materials enabled by self-assembly and 3D printing with multiple length-scales of complexity to better mimic the functional structures of insect hearing. 5-yr masters+PhD scholarships are targeted at students from traditionally underrepresented and minority groups. Candidates from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences are encouraged to apply.
The project will pursue a novel “top-down” and “bottom-up” hybrid approach to the creation of biomimetic materials. This will be enabled by recent developments in biocatalytic peptide self-assembly and enzyme immobilization for nanoscale structures and gradients in the Lau group, based in Pure and Applied Chemistry, and in 3D printing and characterization of insect-mimetic acoustic membranes in the Windmill group, based in Electronic and Electrical Engineering.
The successful applicant will join our new interdisciplinary Leverhulme Doctoral School in Nature-Inspired Acoustics (NIA), and will further engage in the interdisciplinary research planning and forecasting skills development of our new School together with others in architecture and management sciences. The project’s basic science results will help tackle challenges in advanced acoustics technology and help develop applications for managing the sustainability of our infrastructure and energy future.
Our programme is deeply committed to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. We actively seek candidates from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join the NIA doctoral school.
Funding details
All scholarships include full tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of approx. £19,162 per annum.
Apply
There is a 2-stage application process. See full details at Nature-Inspired Acoustics (NIA), where applicants can also download our cover letter form and send the completed form with their detailed CV to nia-leverhulme@strath.ac.uk. In the form, applicants can indicate their eligibility for a UK scholarship, and explain their background, interest in specific research themes, and fit to the Doctoral School. 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 positions are filled. Evaluations will start March 28, 2024.
Number of places: Up to 2
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Contact us
For further details, contact nia-leverhulme@strath.ac.uk.