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  Microfluidic devices for sustainable water desalination


   Department of Mechanical Engineering

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  Dr Majid Malboubi, Dr Omid Doustdar, Prof Karl Dearn  Applications accepted all year round  Awaiting Funding Decision/Possible External Funding

About the Project

Microfluidics is the manipulation of fluids at the micron-scale (one-millionth of a meter). Microfluidics devices have many applications to address the urgent needs of society and industries in engineering, biology, chemistry, pharmaceutical industries, and, recently water desalination. 3D printing technology has offered many potentials to print complex microfluidic devices, and we have developed novel micromixers and microseparators with high efficiencies using this technology. You will use various techniques, such as Stereolithography (SLA), 3D printing, SU-8 photolithography, etc., to fabricate parts of various shapes and sizes to optimise the design and manufacturing of microfluidic devices. The developed devices have applications in water desalination and life sciences. The candidate will be strongly encouraged to present and publish work at national and international conferences and in scientific journals. You will do your PhD at a leading global top 100 university on both campuses of the University of Birmingham in Edgbaston and Dubai. The position will also offer opportunities to engage in teaching activities in the school of engineering.

Person Specification:

Essential:

• A degree in a relevant discipline (Engineering, Mechanical, Chemistry, Material Sciences, Physics)

• To have met the University of Birmingham English Language requirements (e.g. IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band) by the point of application.

Desirable:

• Good knowledge of engineering, fluid mechanics and materials

• Experience in performing experimental work, collecting data and analysing research findings

• Experience in performing numerical simulations (e.g. ABAQUS, ANSYS)

• Experience in CAD software packages (e.g. in SolidWorks, Fusion 360)

How to apply:

Eligible applicants should first send an expression of interest to Dr Majid Malboubi ([Email Address Removed]), including the following:

• 200 words cover letter on how your research interest aligns with this position

• CV including your academic and work experience with the names of two referees The applications will be reviewed, and the supervisory team will invite the promising short-listed applicants for interviews. After the interview, the successful candidate will be instructed to apply online via the University of Birmingham website (https://sits.bham.ac.uk/lpages/EPS013.htm).

We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community. The University of Birmingham has a campus in Dubai, and we encourage applications from the United Arab Emirates or other GCC countries. 

Engineering (12)

Funding Notes

This research project is in competition with other projects within the School of Engineering. Projects with the best applicant will be awarded the funding. However, self-funded PhD students are encouraged to contact Dr Majid Malboubi ([Email Address Removed]) at the earliest opportunity.
Funding is awarded by the School on a competitive basis, depending on the strength of the applicant. The funding will cover tuition fees and provide a stipend for 3.5 years.

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