PhD Studentship: From Nanointerfaces to Dynamic Performance: Next Generation Elastomer Technologies

University of Warwick; Coventry; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Industry funding

PhD stipend

Job summary

The University of Warwick invites applications for a PhD researcher in the Advanced Elastomer Research Group at IINM, part of the Physics/Nanotechnology initiative. The project, sponsored by a global tyre industry partner, will explore nanoparticle surface chemistry, polymer–filler interfaces, and advanced characterisation to advance next-generation elastomers for sustainable mobility.

Start date is 1 November 2026, with UK or international eligibility and a 3.5-year stipend.

Qualifications

• MSc / MChem / BSc in chemistry, polymer science or chemical engineering (1st or upper 2nd class)
• Experience in chemical synthesis and analytic chemistry
• Experience in structure characterisation and reporting results

Responsibilities

• Join the Advanced Elastomer Research Group at IINM, Warwick.
• Work on nanoparticle surface chemistry, polymer–filler interfaces and advanced characterisation to define microstructure-property relationships.
• Collaborate with industry partner to address environmental and technological challenges for future mobility.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Structure characterization

Synthesis

Time management

Education

MSc / MChem / BSc in chemistry, polymer science or chemical engineering

Tools

Rheology

Dynamic mechanical analysis

Solid-state NMR

Job description

Supervisor(s):Prof. Chaoying Wan, Prof. Steven Brown (Physics department)

Stipend:UK or international

Duration:3.5 year

Funding Eligibility:UK or international

Start Date:1st November 2026

Research Group:Nanocomposites

Project Overview

We welcome a highly motivated PhD researcher with a background in chemistry, polymer science, materials science, chemical engineering, or a related discipline to join the Advanced Elastomer Research Group at the International Institute for Nanocomposites Manufacturing (IINM), WMG, University of Warwick.

Sponsored by a global tyre industry partner, this project will address major environmental and technological challenges associated with future mobility, including tyre-wear particle emissions, emerging Euro 7 requirements, lower embodied carbon, extended service life, self-healing, adaptiveness, and reprocessability.

The research will focus on nanoparticle surface chemistry, polymer–filler interfaces, and advanced characterisation, with the aim of establishing fundamental microstructure-property relationships. Carbon-based and hybrid nanomaterials will also be explored to enhance reinforcement and multifunctionality, with the goal of reducing energy loss while improving long-term performance.

The project offers a unique opportunity to gain advanced training in rheological and dynamic mechanical analysis, solid-state NMR, and time-resolved structural characterisation, while integrating polymer chemistry, nanotechnology, and dynamic performance analysis to develop next-generation elastomers for sustainable mobility.

Candidates with experience in chemistry, polymers, elastomers, nanomaterials, rheology, or advanced materials characterisation are particularly encouraged to apply.

Essential Criteria

A highly motivated candidate, with (or expect to hold) a 1st or upper 2nd class MSc / MChem / BSc in chemistry, polymer science or chemical engineering, understand and has experience in chemical synthesis, analytic chemistry and structure characterisation.

Desirable Criteria

Candidates should have strong time-management and organisational skills, work effectively both independently and as part of a team, meet deadlines reliably, and demonstrate excellent academic writing, communication, and presentation skills.

Industry funding