PhD Study : ​Active functionalised antifouling surfaces

Summary

​​Bacteria are one of nature’s oldest living machines. They secrete extracellular polymers which self-organise leading to the formation of a viscoelastic material known as the biofilm. Biofilms have beneficial (e.g., bioremediation or nitrogen fixation in plants) or detrimental effects (e.g., infections in medical setting and fouling of ship hulls leading to increased drag) and their impact on the worldwide economy is estimated to be 5000 billion dollars [1]. As a result, within a variety of industries there is an immediate need to develop engineering solutions to minimise the growth of biofilms on surfaces and reduce the costs of the impact of contamination.

This project aims to develop a novel class of magnetic elastomeric materials with tailored porosity and/or surface functionalisation. It is envisaged that the combination of magnetic actuation and porosity/surface functionalisation will lead to superior antifouling performance compared to the existing methods [2, 3, 4]. The efficacy and endurance of these materials against long term biofilm development and macro-fouling will be tested within fluidic chambers with controlled hydrodynamic conditions.

We are looking for an enthusiastic engineer with a penchant for building experimental setups and ability to learn/implement new techniques beyond traditional discipline boundaries. The individual will utilize the advanced instruments for nano/bio-engineering research at Ulster and will have the opportunity to collaborate within partners in UK, USA, and Europe. Opportunities for presentations at conferences, publications in leading multidisciplinary journals and visit to industrial partners would provide opportunities for career development and employment in academia and/or industry.​​

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 65%
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications - peer-reviewed

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living