Exploring the Formation and Growth of Synthetic Diamond

Applications are invited for a fully funded (full-time) PhD studentship developing new methods for the preparation of synthetic diamonds. The project is part funded by European Regional Development Funding and is in collaboration with Dyman Advanced Materials, a leader in the development of proprietary new technology for the synthesis of synthetic diamonds.

Project description: Synthetic diamonds are used extensively in both commercial and scientific applications, including electronics and, perhaps most notably, as abrasives in surgery and industry. Hence, they are of considerable economic and societal importance. As a result, much research is currently underway to develop new economical and efficient methods for the production of synthetic diamonds.

Working closely with Dyman Advanced Materials, the project aims to develop a new technology for the synthesis of diamonds that makes the conventional high pressure and high temperature (HPHT) method more efficient. The focus will be to optimize this new technology to make it as efficient as possible. Factors affecting the formation of synthetic diamonds, i.e., the mechanisms for growth, the thermal processes involved, as well as the influence of the transition metal catalysts used, will all be explored in greater detail to determine their impact.

The project will take the form of an industrially supported studentship with the student primarily based at Durham University whilst ideally working for short industrial placement periods with Dyman throughout the PhD. This represents a very good opportunity for a candidate interested in an applied research career, comprising both academic and industrial placement elements within a 3 year fully funded study programme.

Entry Requirements: Applicants should hold at least a 2:1 honours degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics or a related subject.

Eligibility: This studentship is supported through the Intensive Industrial Innovation Programme, part funded by the European Regional Development Fund. The studentship covers full Home fees and a tax-free stipend at the EPSRC rate. Applicants from outside the UK/EU are not eligible for this award unless they are able to self-fund the difference between UK/EU domestic fees and international fees (https://www.dur.ac.uk/study/pg/finance/costs/).

Start date: 1 October 2019

Location: Durham University and Gull Corporation Ltd. t/a Dyman Advanced Materials, Sedgefield

Contact: Informal enquiries can be made to either Dr Karen Johnston ([Email Address Removed]) or Dr Gary Gibson ([Email Address Removed]).

How to apply: To make an application, please visit the university applications page at https://www.dur.ac.uk/study/pg/apply/. When making an application, please state the project title ‘Exploring the Formation and Growth of Synthetic Diamond’.

Deadline for applications: 31 August 2019.