PhD Studentship - Crosslinking Heterogeneity and its Relationship to Microplastics Release

The University of Manchester; Manchester; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Manchester offers a fully funded 3.5-year PhD project focused on crosslinking heterogeneity at the coating/air surface, impacting microplastics release. The successful candidate will receive a tax-free stipend and will engage in cutting-edge molecular modelling research, collaborating closely with experimentalists.

Qualifications

• Open to UK applicants only.
• Minimum of a 2.1 honours degree or a master's in a relevant discipline.
• Experience programming is essential.

Responsibilities

• Study the solid/coating interface and microphase segregation.
• Collaborate with experimentalists for validation of findings.
• Explore additives to mitigate microplastics release.

Skills

Programming experience

Knowledge of molecular modelling

Experience with molecular dynamics software

Experience with molecular simulation software

Education

Minimum of a 2.1 honours degree or a master's in chemical engineering, physical chemistry, or a related discipline

Job description

Application deadline: 31/07/2025

How to apply: uom.link/pgr-apply-2425

Number of projects: 1

This 3.5-year PhD project is fully funded by the Strategic Doctoral Landscape Award (sDLA) Scholarships and is available to home students only. Tuition fees will be paid, and the successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend set at the UKVI rate (£19,237 for 2024/25), which is expected to increase each year.

Project Description

The project focuses on crosslinking heterogeneity at the coating/air surface, which may influence microplastics release. It involves studying the solid/coating interface, microphase segregation, and the presence of weakly attached oligomers using state-of-the-art molecular modelling techniques. The goal is to understand why such weakly attached fragments form, how to prevent their formation, and explore additives to mitigate this issue. The research will collaborate closely with experimentalists for validation.

This work builds on previous research on crosslinking at the substrate/polymer interface, including publications in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces and Applied Surface Science.

Eligibility and Requirements

• Open to UK applicants only.
• Minimum of a 2.1 honours degree or a master's (or international equivalent) in chemical engineering, physical chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Experience programming is essential.
• Knowledge of molecular modelling is highly desirable.
• Experience with molecular dynamics software such as LAMMPS is desirable.
• Experience with molecular simulation software is beneficial.

Application Process

To apply, contact Dr. Siperstein ([e-mail]) or Dr. Suzanne Morsch ([e-mail]). Please include details of your current study level, academic background, relevant experience, motivation for the project, programming experience, and knowledge of molecular simulations.