The University of Liverpool is a world-renowned institution known for its excellence in research, teaching, and innovation. With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, the university provides a dynamic academic environment where students and researchers work on solving real-world challenges. Its state-of-the-art facilities and extensive industry partnerships ensure that students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, preparing them for successful careers in various fields.
Located in the vibrant city of Liverpool, the university offers a diverse and inclusive community that fosters creativity and intellectual growth. It is home to cutting-edge research centers, including the Materials Innovation Factory (MIF), which brings together experts from academia and industry to advance scientific discoveries. Through its commitment to excellence, the University of Liverpool continues to shape the future of science, technology, and innovation on a global scale.
Scholarship Description
- Host University: University of Liverpool ;
- Host Country: United Kingdom;
- Study Level: PhD Level;
- Scholarship Type: Partial funding;
- Scholarship Worth: £19,237;
- Eligible Countries: International Students;
- Subjects Available: Chemical Sciences;
- Application Deadline: February 17th, 2025.
The EPSRC Funded Studentship in Digital Discovery of Polymeric Materials focuses on revolutionizing the design and analysis of polymeric materials through computational research. While polymers are crucial in various technology sectors, traditional computational approaches to their study are slow and cumbersome. This project aims to overcome these limitations by developing workflows that allow for the rapid and accurate simulation of thousands of polymers.
The research will leverage data analytics and machine learning to uncover structure-property relationships, paving the way for a more efficient feedback loop between modeling and experimentation. Specifically, the project will investigate polysulfide polymers produced by inverse vulcanization, a class of materials with extensive chemical diversity. Computational models will be developed to predict microscopic structures and analyze experimental characterization data, such as Raman spectroscopy.
Supervised by Prof. Alessandro Troisi and Dr. Tom Hasell in the Department of Chemistry, the project is ideal for students with backgrounds in Chemistry, Materials Science, or Computational Research. Candidates should have a strong interest in the quantitative aspects of materials science and experience in computational methods or data analysis.
The need for researchers proficient in materials chemistry, digital intelligence, and automation is growing due to the increasing demand for high-performance materials across industries. This PhD opportunity prepares students to become leaders in digital and automated materials chemistry, enabling them to contribute to transformative research and industrial advancements.
Scholarship Benefits
The EPSRC Funded Studentship at the University of Liverpool provides substantial financial and academic support to successful applicants. Key benefits include:
- Full Tuition Fee Coverage: The studentship covers full tuition fees, which are £4,786 per year for the academic year 2024-2025.
- Maintenance Grant: Students will receive a stipend of £19,237 per year, ensuring financial stability throughout the four-year program. (Rates for 2025-2026 will be confirmed later.)
- Research Training Support Grant: Additional funding is available for research consumables, conference attendance, and other academic expenses.
- Access to Cutting-Edge Facilities: The project will be conducted at the Materials Innovation Factory (MIF), the UK’s largest industry-academia co-location in physical sciences.
- Professional Development Opportunities: Students will undergo specialized training in robotics, digital methods, and computational materials science, enhancing their employability.
- Collaborative Research Environment: The program promotes interdisciplinary collaboration between physical sciences, engineering, and computational research, offering students a well-rounded academic experience.
While EPSRC Studentships do not typically cover international tuition fees, outstanding international candidates may receive additional scholarships to offset the cost difference.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the EPSRC Funded Studentship, applicants must meet the following academic and professional criteria:
- Educational Background:
- Applicants must hold, or be in the process of obtaining, a Master’s degree in Physical Science, Engineering, or Computational Science.
- Exceptional candidates with a First-Class Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field will also be considered.
- Research Skills & Experience:
- Strong interest in quantitative aspects of materials chemistry and computational research.
- Experience with data analytics, machine learning, or computational modeling is advantageous.
- Nationality Requirements:
- Open to UK, EU, and international students.
- While EPSRC funding does not cover international tuition fees, a limited number of scholarships are available for exceptional international applicants.
The University of Liverpool is committed to fostering an inclusive academic environment and encourages applications from diverse backgrounds, including those with disabilities or caring responsibilities. Students with disabilities may be eligible for additional financial support through the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA).
Application Process
The application process for the EPSRC Funded Studentship in Digital Discovery of Polymeric Materials consists of two rounds of assessment. Candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible to maximize their chances of selection.
Application Deadlines & Assessment Rounds
- Round 1: Applications submitted between 11th December 2024 – 15th January 2025 will be assessed in this round.
- Round 2: Applications submitted between 16th January 2025 – 17th February 2025 will be considered in the second round.
Application Steps
- Prepare Application Materials:
- A detailed CV highlighting academic and research experience.
- A personal statement explaining interest in the project and career goals.
- Academic transcripts from previous degrees.
- Two academic references supporting the application.
- Complete the Online Application:
- Applicants must submit their application through the University of Liverpool’s postgraduate research portal.
- The application should include the project title and reference number (CCPR142).
- Contact the Supervisory Team:
- Candidates are strongly encouraged to reach out to the supervisors, Prof. Alessandro Troisi and Dr. Tom Hasell, before applying.
- This step allows prospective students to gain further insights into the project and discuss research expectations.
- Application Review & Selection:
- Applications will be assessed based on academic merit, research potential, and suitability for the project.
- Successful candidates will be invited for an interview as part of the final selection process.
Key Contact Information
For further inquiries, applicants may contact:
Prof. Alessandro Troisi
Email: A.Troisi@liverpool.ac.uk
Official Website
For more information, please visit the university’s official website : https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/studentships/digital-discovery-of-polymeric-materials/