PhD in Polymer Chemistry: Mixed Ion and Electron Conducting Polymers

Applications are invited for a DPhil (PhD) studentship in ion and electron conductive polymers and elastomers for rechargeable batteries, soft robotics and sensors. The UK studentship is funded by the Royal Society to work under the supervision of Dr Georgina Gregory in the Department of Chemistry, Inorganic section at the University of Oxford.

The project focuses on developing new soft polymeric materials that are capable of conducting both ions and electrons for improving capacity in next-generation batteries and addressing challenges in actuators (converting electrical signals into mechanical responses) or sensors (converting a mechanical stimulus into a measurable electrical output). The research entails polymer design and synthesis and will implement controlled polymerization strategies to elucidate structure-function correlations. A particular emphasis is on sustainable polymers utilising bio-derived feedstocks to generate bio-compatible materials for interfacing with human skin as wearable sensors and actuators. The synthesised polymers will be fully characterized (structure, thermal, mechanical and electrochemical properties) and performance tested in devices.

The studentship will cover course fees at a home rate and provide a stipend of no less than the standard UK Research Council rate, currently set at £16,062 per annum (for the 2023/24 academic year). Funding is available from October 2023 for up to 4 years. A generous consumables budget, training and travel budget are also provided.

Candidates with a first-class or strong upper-second-class undergraduate degree in Chemistry or a closely related subject are encouraged to apply. Prior research experience (such as a Master's research project or equivalent) in polymer chemistry, materials and/or energy storage applications is desirable but not essential. The successful applicant will be based in the Chemical Research Laboratory of the Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford.

For informal enquiries, please email [Email Address Removed].

Candidates should submit a formal application for DPhil in Inorganic Chemistry via the Oxford online application system: http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/applying-to-oxford, quoting GG/Polymers/2023.

Queries relating to the application and admission process should be directed to: [Email Address Removed]; tel.: +44 (0) 1865 272569.

The Department of Chemistry holds the Athena SWAN Silver Award. The funding means that only UK/home students can be considered at this time.